Forever My Always

"May the court hear from Mrs. Bowman''s social worker, Miss Grey." The family court judge called upon Alexa to stand and speak her recommendation on her client, Leanna Bowman's custody of her son Eddie Bowman. This had been an ongoing battle since Eddie's biological father had re-appeared into the picture and had tried to gain custody of him, which the judge had denied.

Alexa took in a deep breath and sighed heavily while she stood up and straightened her dark navy suit. "You may proceed, Miss Grey."

"Your honour. It is my recommendation as Leanne Bowman's case social worker that her child, Eddie Bowman, is to remain under her full custody." Alexa took in another breath. This was the part of her job that she did not enjoy, but due to her work with Guardian and their close contact with the domestic abuse survivors, Alexa was often called in to family court to give recommendations on custody status.

"Leanne Bowman has made tremendous strides the past five months at Guardian. She started out using our shelter services for herself and her son and has now found a safe affordable home in the local council housing inclusive of the necessities for taking care of Eddie. Leanne has continued to attend Guardian for our therapy, financial and social services which she plans to remain attending in the future. Mrs. Bowman has found a local daycare and employment within walking distance of her home." Alexa lowered her head briefly, feeling everyone in the court's eyes on her.

"Despite, Mrs. Bowman's domestic history with her ex-partner. I do recommend that Eddie continues to stay with his mother and the trial period of custody be moved to a permanent decision given that she abides by the no contact order with Mr. Turner." Alexa looked the judge in the eyes showing her confidence with the recommendation to the court.

The judge slowly nodded her head as Alexa took her seat beside The Bowman's lawyer. Alexa turned her head towards Leanne who was displaying a grateful expression towards her. She simply smiled and turned her attention back towards the judge as she deliberated.

Alexa felt a light tap on her shoulder from behind. She angled her body to find Eddie being his adorable self dressed in a little suit with a green polka dotted bow tie. His little contagious smile was beaming up at her. "Do I get to stay with my mommy?" He whispered to Alexa.

Her heart sank in his chest seeing his chocolate brown hopeful eyes staring up at her waiting for a reply. "I don't know yet, hun. We have to wait for the nice lady up at the front to tell us." Alexa noticed that he started to get worried that he would not be able to go home with his mom today. Even though he was quite young, he understood what was going on as this was not his first time being in a courtroom like this. Alexa suddenly felt a healthy level of doubt in her suggestion. Was it really the right decision for Eddie? Or was it the right decision for Leanne?

"Want me to come back and sit with you while we wait?" Alexa shook the thought from her mind and focused on Eddie.

He did not waste a second in replying. "Yes please!" Eddie politely asked Alexa and she immediately stood up and snuck around to sit next to him.

The judge had returned to the courtroom after a short recess to deliberate her decision. The deafening silence in the courtroom was profound as nearly everyone was on the edge of their seats awaiting the verdict on the custody of Eddie Bowman.

Alexa closed her eyes as the judge started to speak. There was a gut feeling that had grown inside of her at the last minute that Eddie should not be with his mother. The problem was it was only a gut feeling and she racked her mind searching and searching for any little doubt in her mind that matched this innate feeling.

"Congratulations Leanne Bowman. You have full custody of your son Edward Bowman. There will be a review period in six months to ensure that you are adhering to the set out rules of this custody agreement including the no contact order with Mr. Turner." The judge disclosed her ruling and everyone in the courtroom was happy with the outcome, except for Alexa. But, she stood up and displayed a soft smile watching Eddie run to his mom and give her a big hug.

Leanne turned around to face Alexa and opened her arms to pull her into a tight embrace. "Thank you Alexa. This wouldn't have happened without you." She gratefully thanked Alexa for her help, but those words felt heavy in her mind as she repeated them.

"You are welcome. Please take care of him." Alexa softly encouraged Leanne to remain true to her promise.

Alexa exited the courthouse walking out of the main entrance down the steps when all of a sudden she was ambushed by a few paparazzi that had gotten wind that she was appearing in court today. The ambush startled her and pulled her from her deep internal debate.

"You are one hard person to find Miss Grey." One of the men shouted as they continued to photograph her down the steps of the courthouse.

The blonde remained silent, giving them no response as she continued to look to the ground and concentrate on putting one foot in front of the other, being careful not to get pictured falling down these stairs in her heels.

Alexa had been quite clever recently in avoiding the paparazzi thanks to tips from her boyfriend, Harry. But, she figured they would find her again eventually only wishing that it wasn't today. She dug in deep and found a source of courage to get through the next few minutes until she could escape them. One thing that Harry had taught Alexa to get away from them was to quickly get into a taxi even if only for a few minutes away to get some distance between the paps and her.

The blonde spotted a taxi stand nearby and purposefully stepped towards it. She motioned to the man standing in front of the black taxi that she wanted a ride.

"Alexa can you tell us who will be your plus one to Princess Eugenie's wedding?!" They shouted at Alexa as she climbed into the back seat and closed the door. But, a hand grabbed the door frame stopping it from closing.

Alexa glanced up at the man attempting to stop her from getting away from them. Her green eyes glared up at him as they locked into his gaze. "Let go of the door now. Or you will be hearing from my lawyers." She threatened him in hopes that he would remove his hand.

He slowly removed his hand and Alexa slammed the door shut. She drew in a shaky breath, feeling like she had been holding her breath for a long time. Closing her eyes she told the taxi driver her destination, deciding to take the full ride over to meet her friend for afternoon tea.

"Can you take me to Fortnum and Mason please."

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"Hello ma'am. Do you have a booking with us for tea this afternoon?"

Alexa was greeted at the front entrance to the tea room at Fortnum and Mason. "Yes, I believe it is under Victoria Sutton." She was meeting Victoria, a friend of hers from Alexa's past relationship with Reese Kellington.

"Right this way." Alexa followed the hostess into the tea room towards an awaiting Victoria.

Victoria spotted Alexa in her line of vision making her face light up with a beaming grin as she stood to greet Alexa. "Ah! Lexi!" The blonde pulled Alexa in to greet her with a traditional kiss on the cheek before hugging her small frame.

"Hi, Victoria. How are you?!" Alexa matched her friend's beaming smile. She pulled out the chair from her spot and took her seat while the hostess handed them their menus.

"I am well, how are you? It has been so long since I have last seen you!" Victoria locked in Alexa's green eyed gaze.

Alexa had met the Sutton Hotel heiress through her ex Reese. She had become close with the blue blooded aristo even though she initially thought it would be an unlikely friendship. But, when Alexa and Reese ended their relationship, Alexa distanced herself from nearly everyone associated with Reese including the friends she had made during that time. A part of her felt guilty for simply disappearing but at the time, it was what she needed to do for herself.

"I know it's been so long. I was really happy to hear from you last week." Alexa smiled genuinely. "I am sorry for just disappearing after everything." She began to apologize. "I know there is no explanation that justifies that... but I had to do -"

"You had to do it in order to survive." Victoria nodded displaying a genuine expression of understanding. "I heard what Reese had done... I don't blame you at all or harbor any ill will towards you at all. That is why I reached out to you. I missed you and our friendship." Victoria reached her hand out and squeezed Alexa's in a gesture of reassurance.

"Thank you, Vic." Alexa was feeling extremely guilty over her past decision. But, she desperately wanted to catch up with Victoria.

"Anyway, let's not talk about that bastard." Victoria waved the subject off. "Let's enjoy our afternoon tea and you can tell me all about your life! I hear you are going to be in a royal wedding this summer?! That is so exciting!"

Alexa giggled lightly. "Yeah, I am and everyone knows it. I even nearly got followed here by the paps!" She sighed heavily remembering the man trying to stop her taxi moments before she arrived.

"Oh god! They can be absolutely horrendous Lex!" Victoria's posh British accent came forth. "You have to be careful. I can give you some tips on how to deal with them if you want?" Alexa's friend kindly offered to her as she had her fair share of experiences with them due to her family's standing.

"Awe, thank you Vic. I appreciate that." Alexa started to scan the menu. "But, my boyfriend has been helping me handle them."

"Ooooh! Your boyfriend?" Victoria lifted her head up from the menu. "Who is it?! You have to tell me everything."

Alexa had put her foot in her mouth not realizing the extent to what she had just revealed. She started to backtrack and down played the whole thing. "I meant he is just making sure I don't come home crying every night!" She tossed her head back with nervous laughter.

"Are you ladies ready to order or do you need a few more minutes?" The waiter came at the perfect time to interrupt their conversation.

"I think we are ready?" Victoria lifted her head to make brief eye contact with Alexa and saw her nodding a response. "Go ahead Lex."

"Uh, I am going to get the Champagne Afternoon tea with the mable peach tea." Alexa lifted her head to glance up at the waiter then to Victoria.

"That is a perfect choice ma'am." He turned towards Victoria. "Ma'am what can I get for you?"

Victoria flipped through the tea choices one more time. "I will also get the Champagne Afternoon tea with the Rose Pouchong tea."

"Great ladies. I will be back shortly with your orders." The waiter took his leave.

"So... tell me about this boy!" Victoria was grinning from ear to ear as she brought back the subject Alexa was desperately trying to avoid.

Alexa squirmed in her spot unsure of whether to divulge the fact that Victoria already knew her boyfriend, Prince Harry. In fact, she was one of his childhood friends and knew him quite well according to Harry, but they lost touch after he left Eton. She had talked with Harry late last night as she laid awake in bed nervous about today's court appearance and told him she had plans to go have tea with Victoria Sutton afterwards.

The prince was quite taken back to find out that she was friends with Victoria, but he was also supportive of her to go to the tea and reconnect with one of her friends. Especially someone he knew who was known to keep her intentions true.

"Well, he is pretty great actually." Alexa was now beaming remembering last night's conversation with him. "He has really taught that it is ok to take a chance at love again and that not all men are like Reese." She confessed to Victoria.

"Awe." Victoria was taking in Alexa's expression in front of her knowing that it was one of true happiness. She had become quite worried about Alexa when she quite literally fell off the face of the earth after Reese and Alexa ended their relationship. The problem was that Victoria had been friends with both of them and quite frankly did not know who to be supportive of. But, when she found out more about what Reese had done to Alexa, she immediately took a step back from her friendship with him. Victoria had attempted to contact Alexa, but she simply did not reply until now. She never held any ill will towards the blonde beauty for doing this and simply wanted to be there for her friend who she knew was going through a very difficult time.

"I love to see you so happy again, Alexa. You can really tell that you are with whoever this man is." Victoria watched Alexa's smile grow even wider at her comment. "How long have you two been together?"

"We were friends at first, but have been dating since May." Alexa was starting to find that comfortable trusting feeling that she had initially shared with Victoria and what had drawn Alexa to her in the first place. Despite Victoria's aristocratic status with her father owning a major international hotel corporation and her mother being a daughter of the current Duke of Somerset, she never did flaunt her status like most aritos did. She even started her own fashion line that had been receiving raving reviews and even has a few store fronts on the major streets of London.

"That is seriously so great. I cannot wait to meet him!" Victoria excitedly clapped her hands.

The two of them were enjoying their afternoon tea, catching up as if no time had lapsed between the last time they had seen each other. Victoria took a bite of her clotted cream and strawberry jam topped scone before leading the conversation down to a place Alexa did not want to go to. "You know, I am seriously so happy to see that you have moved on too like Reese has done." It was an innocent comment, but one that made Alexa quite curious.

Alexa was hesitant to ask, not entirely wanting to know more details about Reese's current relationship, but curiosity got the best of her. "Reese has moved on too?" She probed a bit wondering if she could get it out of Victoria who he was currently with though Alexa had a good guess who it was.

"Yeah, he's been with Gemma Andrews for a while now."

Alexa dropped her knife as it clattered against her plate.

Gemma Andrews. The name repeated in her mind.

Reese had admitted that he had cheated on Alexa with Gemma not once, but multiple times in their relationship. Gemma was often the one at the forefront of his group of friends belittling her every chance she could get. Alexa was hit with a wave of emotions that nearly knocked the wind right out of her. Those same soul crushing emotions that shook her to her core. How could he do that to her? Did Reese have no respect whatsoever towards her? But, then again he never truly did care about her like she had him.

Victoria had realized what she may have done. "Oh, Lex. I shouldn't have said anything..." She bore witness to the pain etched across Alexa's face that replaced the happy expression she held moments prior.

"No, I needed to know." Alexa shook her head and bit her lips to hold back her tears. "Gemma was the woman he repeatedly cheated on me with, Victoria." She admitted with tears brimming over her eyes.

"I am so sorry..." Victoria felt awful for bringing this up to Alexa. "I - I didn't know that." She closed her eyes and shook her head at Reese. "She was always so vile towards you."

Alexa swallowed the lump in her throat and held back her tears not wanting to ruin her time with Victoria. "Let's just move on from it and have fun."

"Yes, let's." Victoria waved over a waiter. "Can we have another bottle of Champagne please?"

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Alexa had found herself walking aimlessly around Hyde Park being trapped deep into her thoughts about everything that had happened today and everything that she had been struggling with as of late. She was supposed to be home by now and spending time with Harry who had come up for the weekend to stay at her place. Pulling out her phone she had several missed calls and voicemails from Harry and she knew that her late return would only worry him further. To be fair, she had no idea it had gotten this late.

She listened to the last voicemail he had sent her.

"Alexa. Where are you? You are really starting to worry me. It's nearly 8pm and you should have been home hours ago... I took Peanut for a walk and fed her." He sighed deeply as his voice trailed off. "Love, let me know you are ok and where you are. I can come get you." The concern laced in his voice was evident and Alexa felt guilty for making him feel that way.

She immediately brought up his number and started to call him. The phone only rang once before he answered it like he had been waiting for her call.

"Alexa?" His deep voice sounded over the other line.

The mere sound of his voice was enough for Alexa to nearly break. She closed her eyes and felt tears starting to stream down her cheek while she breathed in a strangled breath. "Can you come get me?" She sniffled and wiped her tears away.

"Where are you?" He did not hesitate after hearing her cries over the phone.

Alexa glanced around. "I am in Hyde Park by the Serpentine I think..." She released a sob.

"I'm coming."

Alexa was sitting on a park bench when she lifted her head and saw a man walking towards her wearing a cap. She breathed out and stood up slowly knowing that it was Harry attempting to disguise his identity in such a public space.

"Alexa." He closed in the rest of the distance between them and pulled her into a hug feeling her clinging tightly to him. The immediate security that Harry gave her in that moment was something she held onto, not wanting to let go of him and that feeling that surrounded her. She buried her head into the crook of his neck and released a heavy sigh as he gently stroked his fingers through her blonde locks.

She lifted her head up and locked in the prince's concerned gaze. His brow was furrowed and his deep blue eyes were filled with worry. Harry had no idea what was going on with her, yet here he was. He lifted his hand and cupped her cool cheek to tenderly stroke it. "Are you ok?" His voice broke through her thoughts and pulled her out from the depths of his deep blue eyes.

She struggled to answer his question not wanting to lie to Harry, but also not wanting to cause more concern for him. Alexa felt her tears betray her as they trickled down her cheek giving Harry his answer. "I am now." She whispered quietly to him. "Will you take me home?"

Harry brushed away her tears and nodded silently. "I'm parked a short walk from here. Let's get you home." He grasped her hand and clasped their fingers together interlocking them as they made their way to Harry's car. The prince led Alexa out of Hyde Park being careful to avoid contact with others hoping that his cap would hide his identity.

He opened the back car door and motioned for Alexa to crawl in first to which he quickly followed suit. Sitting down next to his girlfriend he looked up in the drivers mirror at Magnus, his protection officer, giving him a quick nod that they were ready to leave.

The prince felt Alexa snuggle in beside him and grasp his arm before laying her head to rest on his shoulder. He placed a comforting touch on her knee being finally able to take her all in. A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips seeing how sexy she was in her suit she had picked for her court appearance today.

"You look beautiful today." He leaned in and pressed his lips softly to her temple. An adorable smile formed on her lips, one that he knew himself placed there.

"Thanks baby." Alexa peaked up at him, staring into his eyes. "Thank you for coming to get me. I didn't mean to worry you..." She gave him a peck on the lips.

"You did really worry me, love." His brow furrowed with concern, but this only caused Alexa to turn her head away from him and avert her gaze. Clearly she was not ready to talk to him about what happened today.

"Hey... hey." He coaxed Alexa's attention back on him. "You don't need to tell me what happened until you want to ok?" Harry watched a silent Alexa nod her head. "Why don't we pick up some take out and just throw on a movie at your place and cuddle? How does that sound?"

Alexa's lips pulled into a soft smile. "That sounds perfect, Harry. What do you want to pick up?"

Harry shrugged his shoulders. "You choose, babe. Doesn't matter to me."

She shook her head no. "I want you to get something you enjoy. You don't really get to when you are in Suffolk."

"Alright..." Harry pondered for a moment. "Shall we get take out from that Greek place from down the street from your flat?"

"Oh, yes!" Alexa was thrilled with Harry's choice. "Can we get a side of pita and tzatziki sauce?!"

"Anything you want!"

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Harry shifted into a comfortable position and helped Alexa crawl into the same space he created for her on the sofa. They had picked out a movie together and cuddled up into each other with a cozy blanket covering them.

He would occasionally glance down at Alexa and notice that even though she was staring straight ahead at the TV, she wasn't actually watching the movie. Rather that she was caught in an internal debate in her own mind. The prince leant down and kissed her exposed shoulder wanting her to know that he was here for her. Alexa's response was cuddling back further into him.

A few minutes later, Alexa suddenly sat up and turned around to face Harry. She held her head down low and started to fidget with her hands nervously. "I'm sorry about today...." Alexa quietly whispered. "I -" She breathed out deeply. "I have been struggling lately Harry..." Alexa's confession caused Harry to sit up straight and reach across her to grab the remote and pause the movie.

"Talk to me love." He gave Alexa his full attention.

"I don't even know where to begin." She softly whispered as she felt the weight of her confession slowly consume her as if the revelation was taking control of her body and finally seeping out of her from holding in for so long. Her head lifted to glance up at Harry showing a wounded expression.

The prince's heart dropped in his chest seeing the visible pain etched across her face. This was not the woman he had come to know. All he could do was listen to Alexa and try to help her in any way he could. "Just start somewhere and go from there, babe. We have all night and I am all yours for the weekend." He grasped her hand and squeezed in reassuringly. A tiny smile peaked through her wounded expression giving Harry a bit of hope.

"Well, today I just had an awful day really and it was sort of my tipping point." Alexa began. "First, at court I read my recommendation for Eddie's custody hearing and I thought what I recommended was right... but then I had this awful sinking feeling that he should not be with his mother." Alexa was clearly bearing the weight of this decision. "I couldn't find a reason why all that it was just a gut feeling that I had. I never wish to take a child away from their mother, but I can't help but feel something is going to happen, Henry, and I feel sick about it. If anything happens to Eddie..." She choked out tears and nearly broke down in front of Harry right there.

Harry grabbed her shaking body and enveloped his arms around her. "Lex. You weren't the only one saying Eddie was ok to stay with his mom. The judge would have decided based on all the information she was given and though your recommendation had a part, it was not the only part to play." He tried his best to comfort her, but he knew that she was only getting started.

"What if something happens Harry?" She lifted her head and looked away from her boyfriend with tear stained cheeks.

"I can't tell you it won't, but for now you know he is safe. She has to check in at Guardian weekly doesn't she?" Harry tried to provide her with some reassurance.

"Yeah... I guess." She nodded her head, but she still would not look at him as her mind drifted towards the conversation with Victoria earlier that afternoon. How was she going to tell Harry about Reese?

"What else?" He encouraged Alexa to keep talking.

How do you talk to your current boyfriend about your ex and how much he has hurt you and apparently still is hurting you? Alexa desperately wanted to avoid it, but she knew she had to tell Harry.

"Please don't be mad... or get angry." Alexa swiveled her head to lock in her boyfriend's gaze.

"Alexa, why would I be angry with you? You are just telling me what you are dealing with and I hope that I can somehow help you." Harry was a bit taken back.

"You might not like what is bothering me..." She led on.

"Babe, come on just tell me. I promise you I won't." Harry tried to reassure her.

Alexa bit down on her bottom lip nervously. "I went for afternoon tea with Victoria and we started talking about how I have moved on with you from my past relationship." She paused for a moment to clarify. "Vic doesn't know you are my boyfriend, I kept that from her." Alexa wanted to make sure Harry knew that. "But, she told me that Reese had also moved on and well the person that he is with now is the same woman who he admitted to cheating on me with numerous times..." She let the words sink in again while Harry remained silent.

His girlfriend took in a shaky breath. "Hearing that he is with Gemma really threw me into the deep end again this afternoon. It's like it brought up that day all over again and somehow even though I haven't seen him for a long time, he was still able to elicit such pain and hurt from me today and I hated that." Alexa cried out with a hint of anger. "He has no right to make me feel that way anymore, but he did. You really do not understand how much he hurt me Harry..." She shook her head in shame. "Even though I am falling for you so hard for you right now. It's still so painful at times to remember." She shook her head. "I didn't want you to be angry with how he made me feel... and sometimes still makes me feel."

"Babe." He lifted her chin delicately with his finger to make Alexa look into his eyes. "I will never be angry or mad at how you feel, even if it is about what your piece of shit of an ex did to you. You have every right to feel whatever you feel and I want you to feel comfortable enough to talk to me and tell me about everything like this, not keep it inside to struggle on your own." Harry watched her eyes well up with another flood of tears. "Is this why you were walking around Hyde Park so late?"

Alexa nodded her head slowly. "I needed some time to just clear my head, but it really didn't help and then when I looked at my phone I didn't realize how late it was and that I kept you waiting for me." She wiped away a stray tear that trickled down her cheek with a balled up piece of his sweater she wore. "Then all I wanted was you..."

The prince tucked a stray piece of her blonde locks behind her ear and gently bent her forehead down towards him to place a soft kiss there. "I'm always going to be here for you, Lex."

"I know, babe."

"I just don't want to see you like this. I want to help you in any way I can." The sincerity in his voice was genuine. "Let me grab a bottle of wine and we can just sit and talk tonight instead. What do you think?"

Alexa nodded her head without a second thought. "Yah, I'd like that."

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Harry had his girlfriend in stitches of laughter, holding her belly and being careful not to spill her glass of wine. He was telling Alexa a story of him and his army pal Connor that he knew would make his girl fall into fits of laughter. Hearing her laughter and seeing that elated smile graced on her face was something he had missed seeing as of late. Their time together was limited and he wanted to make every second of it count.

"Oh, Harry." Alexa leaned her head back against the frame of the couch and simply took the view of him all in. How did she become so lucky and find someone like Harry to be in her life? "I am so lucky to have you in my life, babe. You literally are the best thing that has ever happened to me." Alexa closed in the distance between them and captured his wine soaked lips in a passionate, but soft kiss. "I'm happy you decided to stay here with me this weekend."

The prince smiled out of the kiss and nodded in agreement. "It worked out well that Alice is with Jay in Germany this week and I get you all to myself." He gently grabbed Alexa and pulled his girlfriend into his lap to sneak another kiss in before finding a comfortable position to cuddle with her in.

"What else is on your pretty little mind, love?" He smothered her head with a series of sweet kisses that brought a smile to her face.

"Mmmm...." Alexa giggled with a sultry look on her face.

"Oh!" Harry laughed knowing exactly what she was thinking.

"Tonight. I get you." Alexa informed Harry that he had no choice in the matter and he was completely ok with that. "But, I like sitting here talking with you like this. Can we stay here a bit longer?" She started to play with the tufts of Harry's ginger hair while he stared up at Alexa.

"Mmmm hmmm... that feels nice." He closed his eyes and sighed deeply angling his head to give her more access to play with his hair. A comfortable silence fell between them as they relished in the presence of the other's company. It was moments like this, private moments that Harry loved spending with Alexa and getting to know her better. But, he knew that there was much more on her mind that she wanted to share with Harry. "What's on your mind?" He gently coaxed it out of Alexa.

She took a healthy sip of her wine and sat back into his lap. "Eugenie." Alexa spoke his cousin's name.

"I thought so..." Harry nodded his head. "When was the last time you saw her?"

"Harry, it's been weeks." The blonde beauty sighed with a light head shake. "It is really eating me up from the inside. I don't know what to do. Have you talked to her at all?"

"No." He took a sip of his wine. "I think she is avoiding me honestly."

"I have wanted to reach out to her, Harry. I miss her in my life, she is one of my best friends. But, she makes me feel like I can't have you and be her friend when she was even the one to tell me to go out with you." Alexa took another sip of her wine. "Like I said before, I want both of you and I don't think that is being selfish, is it? My other friends have never even asked me to make that choice, ever."

"No, not at all." Harry agreed with his girlfriend. "Look, I can tell how much Eugenie means to you and she means alot to me too, love. But, this is not a one way street she also has to be the one to want this. She has to put in the effort too."

"I know love." Alexa looked down to the floor briefly then back at him. "I just miss my friend."

"She chose you to be there by her side for one the most important days of her life, Alexa." Harry sat up straighter. "I know for a fact that she still cares about you the way you care about her. I hate that I am the one thing that has put a wedge between you two. But, I am not willing to give you up so easily..." He freely spoke his mind. "I can't do that..."

"The problem though Harry is Eugenie cannot accept that I want both of you in my life. For some reason, she wants me to choose her over you... I want to be there for her in August. I really do, but I am starting to think that maybe I am not the right person and it nearly breaks me admitting that." Alexa released a heavy sigh. "That thought has been creeping up into my mind lately and I don't want to think about it, but it has. I am just at a loss of what to do..." She trailed off and became quiet. "I don't want another fight like that night... I don't want you two at each other's throats."

"Do you want to invite her over tomorrow?" Harry was willing to give up his precious time with his girlfriend to help her re-connect and fix her relationship with his cousin, Eugenie. "I am happy to leave for a few hours and see a mate or something if you want some time alone with her."

Harry was giving Alexa a very feasible option, but she didn't want that option to include having less time with him. "No... I want to spend time with you. You drove all the way from Suffolk and changed your schedule around to be with me." Alexa was extremely touched by the selfless offer Harry had given her. "Thank you though for trying to help. I know you want to make me happy."

"You have to talk to Eugenie, Alexa. One way or another."

"I know, I just don't know how to..." Her mind drifted off and so did their conversation about Eugenie.

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"Damn I missed that." Alexa giggled happily as she nestled her naked body beside the prince. The two of them had just finished being intimate with one another and it was something that they both needed. Needing it so much that they had already finished round two.

Harry's chest rumbled with laughter while Alexa rested her head on it and started to run her fingers over the contour of his abdominal muscles. He gently rubbed up and down the side of her arm finding it comforting to have Alexa next to him like this.

A smile crept up on his lips at the simple thought of how much he loved having this woman in his life. There was just something about Alexa that he was innately drawn to. He felt her take in a deep breath and sigh as her mind travelled elsewhere knowing that she was probably thinking about Eugenie.

When Alexa had come up to the Lake District and spent the weekend meeting his friends, he felt their relationship progress on to a deeper level. When he was away from her, he missed her terribly and his thoughts were never far from her. They made an effort to talk daily to one another and ensure this semi long distance relationship was going to work. He was the one that often came back on his free days to London mainly because of his commitments to his patronage and his family, but he always made time to see her. Alexa would take a Monday or Friday off and drive up to Suffolk for the weekend occasionally. The prince would let her use his office space in his home for the times she was able to stay longer into the week with him and work from home. He loved how everything was progressing in their relationship and he truly wanted Alexa to be his date to Eugenie's wedding. But, in doing so would put their relationship out there for the world to see. He was not entirely sure that Alexa was ready for that yet having admitted that she was struggling lately. Harry needed to fix something in her life this weekend and he knew exactly what he needed to do.

"Lex, I have to make a phone call I forgot to do on the way down today." He got out of bed and slipped away from her.

"At this time of night?" Alexa glanced to the clock sitting on her bedside table before getting a great view of the prince's naked ass. She leaned forward and gave it a little smack as the prince bent over to pull on his boxers that were tossed on her floor.

Harry glanced back over his shoulder at Alexa displaying a mischievous grin before a light giggle escaped her lips. "Get your hot ass back here quick."

"Yes ma'am." Harry offered her a wink before grabbing his phone off the bedside table. He took one step then turned back around to place a soft kiss to Alexa's lips.

The prince snuck out into her living room and ensured he closed the bedroom door. He sat down on a chair by the window and glanced out at the dimly lit quiet streets while he waited and continued to hear the phone ringing.

"Hello?" A tired voice answered on the other line.

"Eugenie?" Harry closed his eyes knowing that he had probably woken her up, but he had to talk to his cousin.

"Harry? It's late..." She slightly scolded him.

"I know. I know it is, but this can't wait." Harry released a deep breath. "Just give me a few minutes please."

There was a long drawn out pause on the other side of the line.

"Ok. What is it Harry?" Eugenie spoke. "I think I already know..."

"I think you do." Harry nodded slowly and then began. "She misses you Eugenie. Alexa misses having her best friend in her life. She was in near tears about it tonight and she doesn't know what to do because she feels absolutely torn between you and I."

"I miss her too..." Eugenie quietly confessed. "I miss not seeing her."

"Then call her and tell her that." Harry softly encouraged his cousin. "Can you put the past aside and accept that Alexa and I are together?" He sighed. "This fight between you and me has to end. We both want what is best for her in the end and that is her having both of us in her life. But, we can never put her in that spot again where she has to choose between you and me or we'll both lose her... and I can't..." Harry trailed off.

"I don't want her to choose between us. I only want to spend more time with her and you two are always together." Eugenie spoke freely. "There never seems to be time for me and her."

"Genie... I am only ever here on the weekends and not every weekend. We aren't even together half the time. So I don't know where you got this idea from." Harry was starting to get frustrated that her excuse was of course because of him.

"Look. I am tired of Alexa being so upset about this." Harry was firm. "Call her tonight and set up a time to see her. I'm here this weekend, but if you want to see Lex now I am fine with that."

"Is she not asleep?" Eugenie enquired.

"No... we have been up."

Eugenie laughed in response. "You two have been having sex, that is why you are up this time of night." She continued to giggle. "Ok, fine. I will call her."

"Yes, ok but can you wait like fifteen minutes so she doesn't think I had anything to do with this?" Harry pleaded.

"You really care about her, don't you?" Eugenie's voice became soft.

"More than you know, Eugenie. I have fallen hard for her." Harry confessed. "I only want her to be happy and I know she won't fully be until she has you back in her life. I am willing to do whatever it takes and if that means having to swallow my pride with you, then I am happy to."

"Let's put this to bed then. I miss having my ginger cousin around and maybe we can do some double dates?" Eugenie happily suggested.

"I am sure Lex would be fine with that." Harry giggled lightly. "Ok, I have to go. But, please wait a little bit."

"I will, Harry. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Eugenie."

Harry tiptoed back into Alexa's room to find her head on his pillow with her eyes closed. She lifted her head having heard his footsteps approach the bed. "Sorry... it couldn't wait." He pulled back the covers and Alexa shifted back onto her side of the bed until Harry got in.

They found themselves in small talk, discussing what the rest of their weekend was going to look like. She was hoping that Harry would be ok helping her fix a few things around the flat she promised Alice that she would get sorted.

Alexa's phone suddenly rang interrupting her conversation with Harry. A small questioning scowl formed on her face, wondering who was calling this late at night. "Who is calling me this late at night?" She reached over top of Harry and grabbed her phone.

"Eugenie..." Alexa sat up in bed cross legged and whispered her friend's name as she let the phone continue to ring. Her head slowly lifted to look up at Harry wondering what she should do.

"Well answer it, babe." He softly smiled.

"H- Hello?" Alexa answered her friend's call.

"Alexa? Hey, it's Eugenie. I am sorry it's late, but I was wondering if we could talk for a few minutes?" Eugenie cut straight to the point.

"Yeah, sure." A small smile appeared on Alexa's lips. "How are you?" Harry watched Alexa quietly listen to Eugenie's response. He shifted his body closer to his girlfriend and placed a hand on her thigh to gently rub.

"I am good. Been keeping busy." Alexa locked eyes with Harry. "Eugenie... I miss you. I miss my best friend." She freely admitted, but the smile that graced her lips when Eugenie confessed the same thing was one that Harry would never forget. It was one filled with pure hope, that kind of hope that you made you feel everything was going to be ok.

"I am sorry for not calling you. I didn't know what to do, but I am really happy to hear from you." Alexa tossed her head back in laughter hearing something Eugenie had said. "Yeah! Let's do that. Off the top of my head, I am pretty sure that I am free Tuesday evening."

"That sounds perfect, Eugenie. I can't wait to see you." Alexa was quite literally beaming. "Ok, goodnight. Have a good sleep." She hung up the phone and angled her head towards Harry with a bright smile.

"So?" He asked innocently.

"Eugenie and I are going to go shopping on Tuesday then for dinner." Alexa rested her cheek in the palm of her hand. "It was really good to hear from her and hear that she was feeling the same way as me."

Alexa crawled over to Harry and sat in front of him before cupping his cheeks with both of her hands. She gazed into his deep blue eyes as if she was searching for something, but was content quietly sitting there for a moment to get lost in the depths of them. "I know this was your doing. I know you left to call Eugenie." Alexa caressed his cheek and watched a guilty smile form on his lips. "She didn't tell me, but it was not hard to figure out Henry."

"Guilty." Harry smirked and shrugged his shoulders.

She leaned in and captured Harry's lips gently as they fell into a passionate kiss that sparked that inner flame of desire once again. But, this time Alexa was in control as she reluctantly broke her lips off of her boyfriends. "Thank you for all you do for me."

"You always give me more than I deserve. I only want you to be happy and will do anything to make that happen for you." He nudged his nose against Alexa's. A gesture she always did to him.

"Why don't we just have fun for the rest of the weekend and focus on us. I love where this is going." Alexa admitted and Harry was quick to agree with her.

"Does fun include more amazing sex?" He raised his eyebrow suggestively.

"Yeah... if you can keep up." Alexa teased Harry before feeling him grasp her hips and swing her around so she was lying flat on her back on the bed.

"Awe! That will be so much fun, Lex!" Alice's smile lit up feeling a sense of happiness for Alexa. "It's such a beautiful place and I am sure that you two will have an amazing time there."

Alexa swivelled around on her chair to turn and face her flatmate. "I hope so. Well more so that his friends like me. I have only met one really since we have been seeing each other." She displayed a nervous smile as she fidgeted with her hands.

"Are you kidding me? They are going to love you girl! What's not to love about you?" Alice tried to offer some encouragement to her friend. "Are you also a bit nervous that things are getting more serious between Harry and you?"

Alexa's head lifted slowly as she nodded. "Yeah..." She paused and took in a deep breath. "That's part of it. I mean we have been in a relationship officially for a few months now and we tried to take things slow like I have wanted to, but I feel I have done the exact opposite. I am not saying I want to pump the brakes a bit because Harry and I are in such a good place right now. It's more my head games that doubt things more than anything at this point." Alexa confessed and explained to Alice what was going on in her mind. "It will be good to see him, but I cancelled my plans with Eugenie this weekend to do it..." She bit down on her bottom lip nervously.

"Oh..." Alice was a bit shocked. "You two still aren't getting along are you?" Her friend probed.

"It's not like we aren't getting along, Alice." Alexa frowned slightly, wondering how to explain the situation. "After that night that Harry had come back to London unannounced and we all had that big row.... Things changed." The blonde offered a weak soft smile. "I still love her to bits and she's still my best friend, but I am trying to find a balance between Harry and Eugenie. Harry has spoken to her and apologized to Eugenie over what he said that night and took the high road without even me asking him which says a lot about him. But, Eugenie tried to fight with him when he did and he said he had to walk away from her." Alexa breathed out deeply.

"It must be difficult on you then to see Harry willing to try for you, but Eugenie is still acting like a stuck up bitch, Alexa. I wouldn't blame you..." Alice giggled lightly.

"It is difficult because... I am falling in love with Harry." A beaming smile formed on Alexa's lips as she admitted it to her friend, Alice. Her green eyes were sparkling with happiness at the thought of it all.

"Aweeeeeeeee!" Alice clasped her hands together and was in near tears of happiness for her friend. "I could tell when you were falling so hard for him that night we had the girls over to introduce Harry to them. It was so evident that you two care a lot about each other."

"Really?" Alexa shyly laughed.

"Of course! You don't see the way he literally stares at you when you aren't looking. He is totally falling hard for you, believe me." Alexa's friend was quick to assure her. An alert sounded on Alexa's phone as she grabbed it off the vanity. "Harry's a few minutes away. I need to finish putting on my make up and getting Peanut's things ready."

"Are you wanting to take Peanut with you, you could always leave her here with me this weekend. I don't want to be all by my lonesome." Alice suggested hopefully as she petted the sleeping pup lying on Alexa's bed.

"Yeah, I mean that would be great. Harry said I could bring her because I wasn't sure what your plans were this weekend, but she can definitely stay and keep you company." Alexa watched Peanut crawl into Alice's lap and fall back asleep.

"Right, I will take pup and leave you to finish getting ready. I can let Harry in when he arrives." Alice nodded lightly. "Are you taking the train up there?" She curiously asked on her way out.

"No, Harry thought it was best for him to drive me. Still trying to keep under the radar despite the media's interest in me still." Alexa sighed before seeing a concerned expression on Alice.

But that expression quickly morphed into a smile. "Have a great weekend, Lex. Just relax and have some fun with your boy."

"Thanks, Alice. I will."

-----------------------------------------------------------

"You are driving us?" Alexa stood there with a questioned look as she watched her boyfriend open the boot to place her suitcase in beside his own.

"Yes, love." He chuckled lightly. "They do let me drive my own vehicle every now and then."

"No, I think it's great." Her boyfriend turned back towards Alexa glancing down at her from under his cap. "We can have our first official road trip together!" The excitement was evidently planted all over Alexa's face.

Harry stood there watching Alexa's smile appear on her lips at the mere thought of it all. He walked up to his girlfriend and without a word, leant down and captured her lips in a sweet lingering kiss. "Henry..." Alexa broke their lips apart as she tried to scold him for his reckless behaviour. "You shouldn't kiss me in public like this." She regretted the moment she tore his lips off of Harry's, but they still had to be cautious.

"I can't help it when you get all adorable and excited about things like that." He grasped her hand and pulled her around to the passengers side. "Shall we get our first road trip together started?" Harry winked at Alexa displaying a cheeky grin while opening the door for Alexa.

"I thought you would never ask!" She exaggerated with a beaming smile. "Thank you, love."

Alexa's hand was grasping Harry's tightly as she scrolled through his phone finding the next song for them to listen to. Her head was bobbing to the beat of the music silently enjoying their road trip on the way to the Lake District. This gave Harry a moment to take her all in. Sitting there next to him was this beautiful woman who he was falling in love with on their way to meet his closest friends. He could not believe it himself half the time that he had found someone like Alexa.

"You look very pretty today, Lex." He watched a smile grow on her lips before lifting her head to beam up at him. "I like that suit thing on you."

"Thanks, love. It's a romper not a suit." Alexa leaned in and placed a sweet kiss to his lips. "But, eyes on the road darling." She giggled and turned his head towards the road in front of them.

"Well, whatever the hell it's called you should wear it more often. It fits you very well." He continued his flirting despite keeping his eyes glued to the road.

"Mmmm, I will keep that in mind. But, you will have to wait and see what else I have packed for this weekend." A mischievous grin was plastered on her lips knowing that Harry would have a difficult time keeping his hands off of her this weekend. "I went out and bought a few new things."

Harry's smile slowly faded at her comment. "Alexa, you didn't need to buy new things. What you wear is completely fine." The prince knew for a fact that she did not buy expensive clothes very often and hoped that she did not do this purely to try and impress his friends.

"I know... but I wanted to make a good first impression." She confessed exactly what Harry was worried about. Alexa turned her attention back to the prince when he did not reply and witnessed a furrowed brow forming on his forehead. "What?"

The prince sighed heavily. He did not reply because he simply did not want this to turn into an argument. "I don't want you to ever feel that you need to change who you are or what you wear to fit into any part of my life." He pulled her hand towards him and placed his lips softly to her fingers in a sweet gesture. "I don't want you to ever change who you are."

Alexa sat there quietly gathering her thoughts and really hearing her boyfriend's genuine words. This was the difference between Reese and Harry. Harry accepted Alexa for exactly who she was and did not want her to change anything about her. He did not want Alexa to change to fit into his world, she was in his world because of who she was. Reese on the other hand wanted Alexa to change everything about her in order to fit into his world. He had liked the idea of Alexa more than who she really was. Her head lowered as she shook it lightly. "I am such an idiot." Alexa muttered softly, but her boyfriend was able to hear what she had spoken.

"Alexa Grey, you are not an idiot." He leaned over and placed a kiss on her temple.

"No I am!" She lifted her head and tossed her arms up in the air. "All I wanted was to fit into your world because I care so much about you." Her head turned to look directly in his eyes. "I want your friends to like me and I just had this fear that I am going to be judged like I was with Reese's aristo friends..." Alexa dragged off and took in a heavy sigh becoming quiet. "That was when we started to have problems, after I met some of his friends...." She hinted at her fears in a quiet whisper. "I don't want this to happen to us..."

Harry closed his eyes hearing her quiet confession. Her voice was laced with doubt and uncertainty, causing an ache in Harry's heart. He knew that there would be times of Alexa struggling to find herself in similar situations like this due to her past relationship with Reese Kellington and all he could do was try to make her feel that she was enough for him.

He sighed and steered the car to the side of the road, breaking to slow down the vehicle to a stop. Harry turned off the engine and opened his door. "Get out..." He softly requested Alexa to do the same.

"Henry... what are you doing?" Alexa unclicked her seatbelt and left the vehicle as she walked over to the driver's side to find Harry leaning up against the car.

"You need my full attention right now and I cannot give that to you and focus on driving." The prince admitted. "Plus, I cannot hug you properly in that car so come here." He opened his arms and waited for Alexa to saunter over to him. Wrapping his arms around her he gently squeezed her small frame, enveloping her in a tight embrace. "That won't happen to us, I promise." He whispered into her ear and felt her body relax into him.

"You always give the best hugs." Her voice muffled as Alexa buried her face into his chest. Harry held her there on the side of the road waiting for her to speak again, but the simple comfort tugged at Alexa's heartstrings. His hand started to rub the small of her back in a subtle gesture of reassurance.

"Meeting my friends is going to change our relationship, Alexa. But, for the better. I have kept you hidden and away from them only because I wanted to see where this was going. I don't introduce just any girl to them, only the important ones. You mean the world to me and I want them to know you for who you are. For the woman I am falling in love with." He lifted up her chin making his girlfriend look into his mesmerizing blue eyes. "I am falling in love with you still."

"This means alot to you, doesn't it?" She tilted her head while gazing up at him and analyzing his silent response while he nodded.

"My friends are very loyal to me, Alexa. I only keep them around if they are. It's hard to find genuine friends like the ones you will meet because of who I am. So introducing you to them is a big step for me, but one I want." The prince calmly confessed.

Alexa smiled softly before standing as tall as she could to reach the prince's lips and capture them in a slow deliberate kiss. "Let's go meet them then."

---------------------------------------------

"I seriously cannot wait to meet her." Melissa Percy voiced her excited thoughts towards the group of Harry's friends who had already arrived at the lake cottage in Cumbira on the Lake District. Melissa Percy was Harry's friend, Thomas Van Straubenzee's, longtime girlfriend.

"He has been really hush hush about this one, hasn't he?" Lara added her two sense in the matter. "I hope she is a real gem. Harry needs a good one after what happened with Chelsy. No offence, Mel." Lara gave her friend Mel a sympathetic look.

Melissa Percy and Harry's ex, Chelsy Davy, were and still are best of friends. The two had become close friends while their significant others, Tom and Harry were long time friends. It was natural that the two of them had grown so close and even after Harry and Chelsy parted ways they remained friends. It was difficult at first for Mel and Tom, feeling like they had to split their loyalties between them. Mel had to admit that she was excited to meet this new girl of Harry's, but she still was not entirely sure how she would handle seeing Harry with someone else other than Chelsy.

"No, no offence taken Lara." Mel simply shrugged her shoulders. "It is going to be hard seeing Harry with someone who isn't Chelsy. They were together for so long... I think he is still in love with Chelsy and I am a bit scared this girl may be just a rebound for him." She spoke her mind, making the group feel uncomfortable.

Zoe Stewart, Harry's friend Jake's girlfriend stood up for the woman. "I highly doubt that she is a re-bound for Harry. Do you really think that he would bring her here this weekend if she were? Let's not jump to conclusions shall we? Besides, he is over Chelsy Davy." She turned her head and narrowed her eyes at Mel, giving her a warning to behave.

"You have met her before Adam, right?" Jake Warren pipped into the conversation and turned the group's attention to his friend Adam Bidwell hoping to bring some sort of information to light about Harry's girl. To be honest, Jake and Harry had spoken a lot lately even meeting up for some drinks at a low key pub and the prince spoke freely about Alexa. Only Zoe knew about this information and they kept it out of the group's knowledge for a reason.

Adam took a sip of his drink and nodded slowly. "I have once." He admitted casually. "Not going to give you any deets until you meet her." He knew this comment would turn the women mad as they literally had talked about Harry's new girl the whole train ride up, wondering what she was like and what she did. Harry had already confided in his friend about Alexa before about how to introduce her to the rest of their friends. Adam suggested a casual weekend getaway with a chill relaxing environment would be the best option. He knew how protective of her Harry had become. But, when Adam suggested using his father's cottage in the Lake District where there was nothing but water and hills in the surrounding area, it was the perfect place to privately introduce them.

"Oh come on Bidwell!" Melissa pushed him further for any tidbit of information. He shook his head no and brushed her off.

"You can make up your own mind. Haz messaged me a bit ago and said they were about thirty minutes away so you shouldn't wait too long." Adam informed the group of the couple's imminent arrival.

Tom eyed his girlfriend Mel and leaned in to rest his chin on her shoulder. "You better behave. No talk of Chelsy or making her feel uncomfortable, ok?" He warned his girlfriend to watch her tongue this weekend. "Don't ruin this for Harry."

"I don't have a clue what you mean, love..." Mel giggled lightly before sipping on her drink.

The group of friends did a quick tidy up of their lunch while the girls started to mix a few drinks before Harry and Alexa's arrival. Zoe peered out of the window and saw a convoy of vehicles pull in. She recognized Harry''s Audi and could see the outline of two people in the front.

"They are here!" She hollered loudly for everyone in the house to hear. Everyone started rushing to the front door to see. "Let's not bombard the poor girl now! Give them a minute to get out, they just had a long drive!" Zoe did her best to attempt to give the couple a little space.

Harry put the car in park and glanced over to see his anxious girlfriend fiddling with a ring on her finger as she sat there quietly in the passenger seat. He reached over and gently grasped her hand, interlocking their fingers as he gained her attention. She looked up at him with those deep green eyes of hers and held their gaze steady. "Just be yourself and they will adore you." He tried his best to reassure the nervous blonde before leaning in and kissing her soft lips in a sweet embrace. "Shall we get out of the car or do you want one more minute?" Harry rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb soothingly as an attempt to calm her budding fears.

"One more minute..." Alexa looked down at their conjoined hands as she whispered her reply.

Mel was peering through the curtains of the big bay windows of the lounge area with Lara beside her while the rest of the group were waiting patiently inside for them. "Oh my god! Harry just kissed her I think." She alerted the rest of the group to which Tom shook his head at his nosy girlfriend. "What is taking them so long to get out of the car, like come on already Harry! We want to see your girl!"

"He is probably telling her how crazy you and Lara are right now!" Skippy rolled his eyes.

"Oh wait, Harry got out." Lara was giving them a play by play now.

The prince rounded the vehicle from the front as Alexa opened the passenger side door and climbed out of the car. Harry gently closed the door and turned around to fall into step beside his girlfriend. A beaming smile graced his lips that was clearly evident even from far away as he reached for her hand and intertwined their fingers and walked side by side towards the cottage.

"She's gorgeous!" Lara's mouth literally dropped open. "Awe, look at his smile! He's so happy."

This was when the rest of the group thought it was best to go outside and meet them. The guys exited the front door with their girlfriends in tow and slowly walked towards the new couple with welcoming smiles ready to meet them.

"Harry!" Tom tossed his arms up in the air and waved at his pal. The prince waved back happily, grinning from ear to ear for the rest of his friends to see. But, his gaze fell back down towards his girlfriend and muttered something in her ear, most likely a word of encouragement.

"Hey mate!" Tom and his girlfriend Melissa were the first to reach Harry and his new girlfriend as the rest of the group hung back a bit to give them space. Harry leaned for a quick friendly hug with Tom while still holding on tightly to Alexa's hand. "It's good to see you man!"

Harry chuckled, "I know, it's been a bit too long." The prince stepped out of the hug and exchanged kisses on the cheek with Mel, greeting her warmly.

Mel locked eyes with Alexa and was captured by her deep green eyes and natural beauty, but the shy expression on her face was clearly evident and her uncertainty was a target for Mel. Harry had stepped back in line with Alexa and glanced down at her briefly before starting to begin the introductions.

"Tom, Mel. This is my girlfriend, Alexa." A fond smile stretched his lips as he finally spoke those words. "Alexa... these are my friends, Tom and Mel."

Tom nearly cut in front of Mel and leaned in to place a kiss on her cheek when Alexa stretched out her arms for a hug. "Sorry, Tom. I am more of a hugger if that is ok." He nodded warmly and wrapped his arms around her small frame.

Melissa immediately took Alexa into a friendly hug. "It's so nice to meet you, Alexa. I can't believe Harry has been hiding you away from us all this time." She looked towards the prince expecting a snide remark, but she was shocked to see that he hardly even acknowledged her comment as his eyes were steady on Alexa. A gesture that brought about a bit of anger within her at Harry's complete infatuation with the blonde.

"I know." She giggled and peaked up at him with a smile. "It's so good to finally meet you though. Harry has spoken a lot about the both of you." Alexa informed them with a soft smile.

The prince placed his hand on the small of her back and gave it a gentle rub. "Shall we continue the introductions, quite a few others to meet?" Harry softly pushed her forward towards the rest of his friends waiting further down as Tom and Mel trailed in behind them.

Alexa was introduced to Lara Hughes-Young and Harry's close mate, Tom Inskip. She was welcomed with open arms and friendly hugs learning that Tom was often called 'Skippy' in his close knit group of friends. Lara happily commented on Alexa's romper and thought that they had similar styles, further discussing a potential shopping date together in the future.

Alexa was beaming at the couple with a tilted head. "It's lovely to meet you both. Thanks for inviting me here this weekend with Harry." The two of them were silently gushing about how sweet Alexa was and could not believe that Harry had snagged this beautiful woman.

"It will be a blast. We have so much fun things planned." Skippy informed Alexa before leaning in. "This does include getting your man completely wasted so I hope that is alright with you?"

"That is perfectly fine, Skippy. I need to show Henry that I can drink him under the table. He still does not believe me that I can." Alexa barked a laugh at his expense. Thankfully Harry was chatting beside her to Adam and did not hear a thing.

"Awe!" Lara clasped her hands together. "That is so sweet that you call him Henry..."

"What's so sweet?" Harry came back into the conversation and wrapped his arms around Alexa from behind. "My girl? I already know that." He placed a gentle kiss to her forehead unafraid to show some PDA in front of his friends. "Come on. We have to keep moving down the line."

Before they could take another step, Alexa stepped beside Harry towards Adam and he engulfed her into a quick hug. "Welcome to the Lake District. Glad you could make it Lexi."

"Hi, Adam!" Alexa squeezed his frame back and stepped out of the hug releasing a deep sigh. "Thanks so much for the invite. It was really kind of you." She leaned her head down against Harry's shoulder with a kind smile.

"You are welcome here anytime." Adam was acting very sweet towards Alexa, wanting to make her feel at home and comfortable here amongst Harry's friends. He looked down at Alexa who remained quietly taking a break while Adam continued to talk away. This gave Harry a moment to check in with his girlfriend and make sure she was doing alright. A gentle rub of her back made Alexa look up at him as he mouthed. "Are you ok?" She flashed him a sweet smile and nodded silently.

"If anyone is giving you any trouble come find me and I will sort them out." Adam kindly offered.

"Thank you, Adam. I think I will manage ok." She rubbed the side of his arm in a sweet gesture before being whisked back away to meet the last remaining couple, Zoe Stewart and Jake Warren.

Jake and Harry had been friends for the longest in the group, while Tom and Skippy trailed closely in behind him. Harry was more nervous for this introduction more than anything. He trusted Jake's judgment and often sought out his advice on relationship matters so he was very keen for Alexa and him to get along well. The prince knew for a fact that Zoe and Alexa would become best of friends in a short time.

"This is the last intro, I promise." Harry chuckled lightly as he ran his fingers through his ginger hair. "Then we can get settled in and have some fun."

"Good." Alexa giggled alongside him. "I saw that fireplace in front. Maybe we can have a camp fire one night?" She looked up at Harry to see what he thought.

"Yeah, that would be fun! I will mention it to the guys later and see. I know Adam has a few things planned already, but I am sure we could do it one night." He nodded with a smile then picked his head up to see Jake and Zoe stand up from the bench by the front door. "Sorry to keep you two waiting!" Harry smirked at his friend Jake who was eying up Alexa.

"It's alright, mate. You saved the best for last!" Jake pulled Harry into a big hug and leaned in to whisper in his ear. "Well done, Hazza."

"Thanks, Jake." He quietly muttered displaying a proud smirk before he saw Zoe greeting Alexa out of the corner of his eye.

"Hi, Alexa. I'm Zoe." Zoe engulfed Alexa into a warm friendly hug and rubbed Alexa's back in a comforting manner. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you." She broke out of the hug and found herself staring into the depths of Alexa's deep green eyes. "It's so wonderful that you two could come out this weekend and give us a chance to get to know you better."

Alexa tucked a stray piece of her hair out of the way and smiled politely back. "It really is kind of everyone to invite us out here. It's such a gorgeous place and I am quite looking forward to meeting everyone. Hoping to get to know all of you more too." She paused and glanced up at her boyfriend. "And, hopefully telling me stories of Harry's debaucherous adventures."

Jake and Zoe dissolved into a fit of laughter at Alexa's remark and Harry's reaction. "I told you while driving up here already, love. I am a saint and my friends are very loyal to me." He slowly turned his head and locked eyes with Jake giving him a look.

"Don't worry we will fill you in. I know you will fit right in in no time. Just stick around me if you need. I am sure we will get along very well." Zoe was so kind and reassuring to Alexa, it even put her mind at ease about her worries of getting along with everyone. Alexa already knew she liked Zoe and could see herself getting along well like she spoke of.

"Oh and this is my boyfriend, Jake." She pulled him into the conversation and introduced her partner to Harry's girlfriend.

"Hi, Alexa. It's great to finally meet Harry's girlfriend." Jake leaned in and placed two quick kisses on her cheek in a friendly greeting.

"It's great to meet Zoe's boyfriend." Alexa teased back, starting to feel more comfortable and dive into her witty side."Oh, god I am so sorry that just came out." She started to become embarrassed and apologized. Zoe nearly died laughing at Alexa's quick comeback and how cute and shy she had become.

"You will do just fine here amongst our group with that witty banter." Jake nodded and eyed Harry. "You got a fiesty one on your hands."

"Believe me...I know, but she's a keeper." Harry tossed his head back in laughter and glanced around to see the rest of his friends behind him chatting in a circle. He turned his head back to Jake and Zoe. "Where are we staying? I think Alexa and I are going to get settled and then see what the plans are?" He curiously asked Jake.

Mel came skipping up behind the couple with Tom having overheard the conversation. "We were so very kind of saving the master bedroom for you two with the only private ensuite bathroom." Melissa proudly alerted the couple with a smile. "We figured it would give you a bit more privacy that way." There was a hint of annoyance laced in her tone at the fact that they were getting the bigger bedroom.

"You guys didn't have to...we would be comfortable staying wherever." Alexa commented, not wanting to seem needy and selfish taking the largest room and being the last to arrive. "We are happy to switch if anyone wants too." She kindly offered, but Harry was quick to shut down the offer. "Noope! We will take it!"

Zoe narrowed her eyes at Mel's tone and gave her a subtle nudge in the side. "It's what we decided as a group. No need to worry at all, Alexa. Besides, you two will be across from Jake and I. It was also across from the room where Harry's security is staying. It made perfect sense." Zoe gently grabbed Alexa's arm. "Come, let me show you the room while Harry grabs your luggage."

Harry watched as Alexa was dragged into the house by Zoe. He sighed briefly knowing that she was in good hands with Jake's girlfriend. "Let's go get your bags, mate. I will help you." Jake followed his mate back to the car. Harry popped open the back and saw Jake standing there casually.

"Are you actually going to help or are you just going to stand there?" The prince teased his friend.

"God, you should have heard all the girls on the train this morning literally trying to figure out what Alexa would be like." Jake laughed as the prince shook his head in response. "Then, just before you got here they were literally hounding Adam for any piece of information about her. Then there was Mel's comment..." Jake felt it was best for Harry to be aware of what his ex's best friend was saying.

Harry suddenly became stiff before dropping Alexa's bag on the ground and crossing his arms with a frown. "What was Mel saying?" He had been hoping that Mel wouldn't be an issue for him, but turns out he would have to keep an eye on her when Alexa was around.

Jake sighed knowing for a fact that Harry was going to be mad over it. "She said...'It is going to be hard seeing Harry with someone who isn't Chelsy. They were together for so long.' She also thinks you are still in love with Chelsy and that Alexa is only a rebound." His friend glanced up at Harry and saw a flash of anger circle in his blue eyes.

"That bitch... who does she think she is?! I am honestly so tired of her games lately. If she says anything at all about Chelsy and I this weekend in front of Alexa, I swear to god I will lose my shit on her." Harry's jaw clenched tightly. This was his one fear, that Mel would have a problem seeing Harry moving on from Chelsy and voice her unwanted opinion on the matter in front of Alexa. The prince slammed the car door shut in a release of his fury and made Jake jump.

"Haz... does Alexa know that Mel and Chelsy are best friends?" He was trying to help his friend out.

"No, I don't think so mate." Harry shrugged his shoulders. "Quite frankly I don't give a flying fuck about Mel and her opinions right now. Alexa and I are finally back in a good place after Eugenie pulled some bullshit and I won't let Mel cause further doubt in Alexa about our relationship."

"You should tell Alexa and give her a heads up...it will be worse if she finds out and you know Mel is going to say something to her at some point this weekend. It's better if Alexa knows before she does." Jake's calming voice brought a sense of reason to Harry as he saw his friend nod with understanding.

"Jake, I know where you are coming from." Harry looked him directly in the eye. "I can't do this to her though mate. She is having a hard time right now despite the brave face she is putting on. I only want her to have a fun chilled weekend with my mates." He explained the reason why, hoping that for now nothing would be brought up.

"This place is so amazing." Alexa walked towards the big beautiful windows of the master bedroom. "The view is absolutely stunning!" She could not believe that Harry and her were going to be waking up to this view in the mornings.

        "I couldn't agree more." A familiar deep husky voice responded before Zoe could get a word in. Alexa turned on her heel to find Harry setting down her bag.

"Isn't it amazing?" Alexa slowly took in the room as she adorably became excited. Harry quietly chuckled at his girlfriend and briefly locked eyes with Zoe who was loving how adorable Alexa was at that moment.

Zoe stood up from the edge of the bed and walked towards Harry. She patted the front of his shoulder and whispered. "I will let you two get settled in. I like we are going for a boat ride this afternoon on the lake. What does Alexa like to drink? I will make sure some are packed."

"Thanks Zoe." Harry paused for a moment. "Vodka cran or any coolers or cocktail drinks."

"Heineken for you?" She checked quickly as the prince nodded his reply. " See you in a bit."

The prince walked towards his girlfriend who was now peering out of the window with an impressive view of the lake and the nature that they found themselves surrounded in. He wrapped his arms around his girl from behind and leant down to place a soft kiss to her cheek.

Alexa lightly grasped his forearms and smiled while he kissed her sweetly. She gently rubbed down his arms and released a heavy sigh. "I needed this getaway, love." Lexi quietly confided in the prince. "Thank you for this."

Harry was now resting his chin on the crown of Alexa's head while holding her tightly in his arms. "I know things haven't been easy for you lately, but I want you to know that I am here for you and that I have got you." He squeezed her frame a little tighter. "I wanted you to meet my friends to have other people to confide in who know more about my life. They know what it is like and how to handle certain situations that your friends or family may not."

Alexa swivelled her body around to face him. "Has anyone told you how incredibly sweet and thoughtful you are?" She looked up at Harry in amazement. "You have been my rock, Henry." Alexa confessed quietly.

She stood on her tippy toes and captured his lips into a passionate kiss. Her lips broke off in reluctance as he felt her hot breath float across his lip breathlessly. "You are an incredible boyfriend to me and I don't know if I tell you that enough." She pressed her lips on more time to the prince's lips as if to seal her words.

Opening her eyes she found Harry staring down at her with a desire filled gaze. She reached up and stroked his cheek until he closed his eyes with a flutter and relished her simple touch in silence. "I know you are worried and stressed about me... just relax love." Alexa continued to softly caress his cheek until she saw his features soften and his tense body relax. "Better?" Her quiet voice coaxed his eyes open as he nodded his head slowly. She smiled endearingly before pressing her lips against his forehead in a lingering kiss like he had always done. "Stop stressing, love. Let's have some fun this weekend. I think we really need it."

"Let's go get a drink then. See what the crew is up to." Harry led Alexa out of the bedroom to find the rest of the group.

---------------------

Harry had one foot on the dock and the other in the boat while helping the girls climb into the swaying boat. Alexa was the last one needing help to step inside. The prince flashed his girl a charming smile before offering her his hand to hold her steady as she made the transition into the boat.

"Steady, love." He gripped her hand tighter than the previous women.

She took a step forward into the boat as a wave hit it causing it to rock. Alexa nearly flew into Harry's body, but he grabbed her and brought Alexa securely close to him. "I got you." He pushed his foot off of the dock and walked onto the boat with Alexa. "Start it up mate!" The prince hollered at Adam to get the engine going.

The group had decided to take the boat out on the lake for an afternoon cruise and have a chill afternoon. Harry sat down in the middle of the boat as Alexa joined him in the space beside. He lifted his arm and Alexa innately moved closer into him.

"What do you want Alexa?" Lara opened a packed ice cooler full of alcoholic drinks and started passing them around. "We have some pink lemonade vodka coolers, Heinekein, cider and soft drinks as well." Lara handed Skippy a beer while waiting for Alexa's reply.

"The pink lemonade cooler sounds good!" Alexa reached forward and grasped the frozen can. "Thanks, Lara." She sat back in the cushioned seat of the boat and glanced up to Harry feeling his eyes on her. "What do you want? Want to try mine?" The blonde had no idea that the group was watching her interaction with Harry.

Alexa brought the open can to his mouth as he took a sip while his eyes remained locked into her green eyes, smiling down at her while licking his lips. "That's good." They shared what they thought was a silent moment together, but Harry turned his head away sensing that people were suddenly watching his exchange with his girlfriend. Alexa followed his gaze and found everyone innocently staring at them with wide brimmed smiles. Her cheeks flushed with a crimson red, suddenly becoming embarrassed.

Harry turned his attention away from them. "Lara, can you toss me a Heineken please?" The prince caught a cold beer being tossed at him. "What are the plans for the weekend?" He tried to divert the stares off of him and Alexa as she squirmed silently beside him.

Everyone knew what Harry was doing, and they were not going to let the couple off that easy. "Bombarding you two with questions!" Mel tossed her head back in a devious laughter. "Why don't you tell us how you two met?" She was genuinely intrigued, but also had another intention on her mind.

The prince smirked and looked to Alexa to answer this one. "We met at Eugenie's engagement party. Eugenie and I have been pretty close friends since we were young." Alexa paused and peaked up at her boyfriend before continuing. "I was hanging out with Zara when I caught Harry eying me from across the bar." Everyone caught the beaming smile that grew on her lips as she continued to tell them how Harry and her met. "He came over and we chatted for a bit. We ended up dancing for most of the night together and I guess he won me over with his amazing dance moves." The group erupted in laughter at Harry's expense knowing for a fact that he loved to dance, but he often lacked any rhythm.

"I do like how sweet you are to Harry, but love we all know that Harry's dance moves are not a way to a woman's heart." Jake commented with a giggle.

"What do you do for work, Alexa?" Zoe got in the next question before Mel could.

Alexa was asked the question mid drink and took a minute to swallow. "I'm a social worker for a domestic violence and sexual assault shelter called Guardian." To be fair, Alexa really did not enjoy talking about her work so she decided to keep her explanation short.

Harry smiled down proudly at her. "She's leaving out another part she probably wouldn't tell you, but Lex also volunteers with SORRT." The prince was excited to share anything about Alexa and wanted his friends to see how amazing this woman was. "It's a program with the police where social workers go to at risk communities and find at risk youth, mainly homeless ones to try and find them housing , jobs  and educational services or even get them mental health help and addictions counselling."

"That must be really tough though. Do you find it hard sometimes?" Lara was genuinely interested.

"It has its days for sure, but I couldn't see myself doing anything else to be honest. The good moments definitely outweigh the bad moments." Alexa was quick to respond.

"Wait..." Mel spoke up and gained everyone's eyes on her. She looked towards Alexa with a tilted head and confused expression on her face. "Isn't Kate, your sister in law, Harry... a patron of Guardian?" Melissa angled her head and a flash of a mischievous glint circled in her eyes, one that Harry had caught. Everyone on the boat knew what Mel was referring to. That Alexa's company got the patronage from Kate because of her relationship with Harry or even Eugenie.

Harry glared at Mel as his jaw clenched and his body stiffened. "Come on Mel..." His tone was angry and low. A deafening silence fell amongst the group while Harry and Mel stared down each other. It was a soft voice that intervened and lifted the silence.

"What I think you are asking Mel, is if Harry had anything to do with Kate becoming patron of where I work." Alexa's hand settled on Harry's thigh and gave it a gentle rub to attempt to calm him down. Harry watched Mel's eyes floating down to his girlfriend beside him with a glare, but Alexa did not back down.

"Kate came to Guardian and I did give her a tour of the place. She fell in love with it like I have and wanted to help us out. I had never met Kate prior to that day and she doesn't know who I am. Harry or Eugenie had nothing to do with arranging any of it." Alexa smiled politely and killed the debate with a simple kind explanation. A proud smirk graced Harry's lips at how Alexa handled the situation before her. He locked eyes with Jake and he gave a simple nod of approval.

Zoe diverted the conversation off of Alexa and discussed what the weekend plans would be. Alexa listened in quietly as the excitement in her built at how amazing the weekend sounded so far. The guys wanted to head out fishing for an afternoon while the ladies would be treated to some relaxing spa time with the evening ending with a five star chef cooking them a five course meal at the cottage. There were even suggestions of hikes along with the obvious drinking games and time spent on the boat. Harry leaned in and asked if she still wanted to do a campfire and she locked eyes with him and gave a small nod.

"Could we have a campfire one night? We could do a simpler meal over the fire and some drinks and snacks?" The prince questioned and everyone was happily in agreement.

--------------------------------

"Love?" Harry wandered into the bathroom to find Alexa in her underwear putting on some make up. They had spent a relaxing morning having breakfast and tea out on the lake before the girls had come back to get ready for the spa afternoon. The men were going to go out drinking and fishing instead.

A cheeky smirk formed on his lips as the prince walked behind Alexa and checked out her ass. "What are you looking for Henry?" Alexa stood up straighter and glanced back behind her.

"My sunnies." He put his hands on his hips. As he breathed out, the ridges of his muscles accentuated them and caused Alexa to release a tiny moan. Seeing Harry topless in only his shorts caused lust to build within her. "Do not make that noise while dressed like that or I will take you right here." The prince warned her with a suggestively raised eyebrow.

*Mature

Alexa bit down on her bottom lip and gave the prince a playful expression before moaning one more time and egging him on. "I warned you..." He closed in the distance between them and bent down grabbing at the back of her thighs and lifted Alexa up onto the bathroom counter.

"I know... but you look too sexy right now and I want you in me." His girlfriend looked up at him with a primal need of desire, her green eyes begging Harry to not wait a minute longer.

"Fuck, love." Harry was too turned on to deny Alexa. He bent down and captured her soft lips while grasping the silk material of her knickers and pulled them off quickly to get to his intended target.

A few minutes later there was loud knocking at the door. "Harry! Alexa?! Are you guys coming?!"

The prince steadied himself with his hand beside Alexa's head on the bathroom wall while he drove his hips into her harder and harder. Her moans filled the air as their bodies collided while her fingernails dug into the muscles of his back. His brow furrowed, annoyed at the disturbance and interruption into his love making with Alexa.

"Few more minutes!" He yelled back and mouthed them to fuck off quietly making Alexa giggle at him.

He felt a set of gentle hands turn his head and make him look down at Alexa. "Cum for me Henry." He would give anything to those deep green eyes that begged him to. "I can't hold on." The prince felt Alexa clench tightly around him signalling the start of her climax while her toes curled and pushed her heels into the back of Harry's ass, pushing him deeper into her.

Alexa gasped at the new depth while her body started to tremble. It had sent her over the edge. Harry made slow deep deliberate thrusts, crashing through her orgasm that brought forth a series of endless moans from the blonde beneath him. This caused the prince to succumb and give into his own climax.

*End Mature

Harry had slipped on a shirt and helped Alexa gather some of her things knowing that they were beyond late leaving. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. "Lex, here." Harry handed her his credit card. "Don't say no and argue with me. Take it and treat yourself to whatever you want at the spa. Don't worry about the cost?"

He sensed a feeling of hesitancy as Alexa debated accepting the card from Harry. A simple nod and a grateful smile floated across her lips. "I should have sex with you more often if I get paid for spa days like this." Alexa cheekily replied.

The couple nearly flew down the stairs knowing that they would get a bollocking for being late. "What took you so long?" Melissa was the first to question, popping her hip out with some attitude.

Harry ignored her question and looked to Zoe. "Can you take Lexi in your car?" He shared a look of understanding.

He could hear Lara whispering to Melissa behind them. "They were clearly fucking, Mel. They are both literally glowing." Harry closed his eyes and turned back around to glance at Lara, letting her know full well he could hear her.

"Alright, let's go Alexa! Spa day for us bitches!" Zoe giggled lightly and made the girls head out the door before turning back to see a worried Harry watching with concern as they left. " I got your girl, Haz. Go have fun!"

The prince sighed and nodded knowing full well that he could trust Zoe.

--------------------------

Alexa sipped on her glass of champagne while feeling her toes get a well needed pedicure. She was laughing away at Lara and enjoying her afternoon at the spa getting to know Harry's friends.

"Where was the last place you went on holiday, Alexa?" Lara was awfully sweet and did her best to include Alexa into the conversation amongst the girls.

"Wow, it's been a long time really." She took a sip. "I think it was Spain in January to be honest. I really need to go on more holidays." The blonde sighed and relaxed into her comfy massage chair. "Or do more of these spa days! I am loving this."

Alexa had already gotten a facial and massage thanks to Harry. She was capping herself at those three treatments, not wanting to take full advantage of Harry and his generous offer to pay for her spa day. The other girls had also planned on getting a manicure, but Alexa decided against it stating that her nails never seem to last long thanks to her puppy and work.

Zoe was in full relaxation mode, loving the calm soothing music. "We have to do this in London again. While the boys hang out. Let's be honest, we all know that they are getting piss drunk and won't come back with any fish whatsoever for tonight's camp fire." Alexa erupted in laughter along with the rest of the girls knowing full well that it was probably true.

"I am surprised, Alexa, that Harry hasn't taken you on a holiday yet!" Mel pipped in and changed the subject. She locked eyes with Alexa and laughed. "I mean, Harry always takes all of his love interests on a trip to Botswana. It's like the Safari right of passage into Harry's bed!" She tossed her head back in laughter, but she was the only one that found it funny.

Alexa was starting to feel uncomfortable wondering why Mel was constantly commenting about her relationship with Harry like that. "Well, maybe it's just because that was Harry and Chelsy's place." Alexa lifted her head and locked eyes with Melissa hearing Harry's ex's name. "I am pretty sure that is where he told her he loved her." Mel added fuel to the fire and was fully intent on making Alexa feel upset and hurt.

"Mel!" Zoe sat up straight and a look of anger Alexa did not think was possible for Zoe, formed on her face. "Stop it. That is utterly rude to say that." Zoe scolded her friend while Alexa sat there quietly not wanting to cause a scene, but she would be lying if she said Mel's words did not sting and made her question her relationship with Harry.

"What? It's the truth, Zoe!" Mel tossed her arms up in the air. "We all know that Harry is still in love with Chelsy!"

Silence. A deafening silence fell across the room.

Zoe slowly turned her head and saw a teary eyed Alexa sitting there quietly almost afraid to respond. Those words cut through Alexa's heart like a knife, wounding her from within. She sat there afraid to say anything as she found herself doubting her relationship with Harry in a matter of seconds. But, those words were coming from someone who knew Harry better than she did. Alexa did not want to make matters worse and start a fight with Melissa so she kept quietly sitting there until she no longer could take it anymore.

A stray tear trickled down her cheek, betraying her and showing the hurt that was building up inside of her. Her gaze found Zoe staring at her apologetically. "Do you think you could take me back to the cottage? I am not feeling so well." Alexa's voice broke nearly making Zoe crumble into tears for her.

"Of course, hun. Let's go." Zoe stood up and told Alexa she would wait for her at the reception area while she got changed.

Jake's girlfriend took a step forward then turned back quickly on her heel. "Mel, you really are a class act bitch. All we have ever wanted was for Harry to be happy and to find someone for the rest of his life and you know what? It wasn't Chelsy. They were not meant to be. What you just said to Alexa hurt her and I swear to god I am telling Harry every last word you said to that poor girl. I know for a fact that he will be furious, because he loves that girl, anyone can see it being around them for a mere second that he adores her." Zoe had raised her voice at the end, becoming furious with her friend. "I hope he finally puts you in your place like you deserve.

A few minutes later, Alexa came out of the changing area digging through her bag to find Harry's card. "No, worries. I paid for it all!" Zoe forced a happy smile for Alexa.

"Zoe, you didn't have too..." Alexa trailed off as she followed her out towards the car.

"It was my treat, I had it planned all along."

--------------------------

"Ah mate you got a bite!" Adam slurred his words and reached for Harry's fishing pole that was rested on the side of the boat. The prince turned around in a flash and grasped it to start reeling it in. The guys had spent the afternoon getting well on their way to being drunk on the lake. Harry was having an amazing time catching up with his mates and falling into some good old banter with the guys.

They had a good conversation about Alexa and Harry gained some insights from his friends about his new girlfriend. All of which were very encouraging and positive. The guys all seemed to think the couple were a good fit and wanted to support Harry and Alexa's relationship going forward.

"Mates, I think I actually got one!" Harry tugged on the fishing pole as the rest of his buds cheered him on.

"Come on Hazza! We can't go back to the birds empty handed!" Skippy yelled just as Harry reeled in a decent size fish.

"Yaaaaaa! They all jumped up and down on the boat making it sway and causing them to have sea legs and fall down into a heap of drunken laughter. The guys spent another hour on the lake attempting to sober up and called it in early. They wanted to get the campfire set up for the ladies when they returned.

When Harry was closer to the shore his phone started going off with missed calls and messages from Zoe. He did not have any service out on the lake and saw the time stamped messages from nearly two hours ago. His brow furrowed reading one message from Zoe that said, 'H come back in. Alexa needs you.'

Harry quickly sent a reply back. 'What happened, is she ok?' He waited impatiently for her reply, watching the three little dots at the bottom of the screen as Zoe typed her reply.

'Mel happened.'

Immediate rage coursed through him. "Bidwell fucking step on it back to the cottage!" The prince's tone made everyone nearly jump. They knew full well that the prince was furious by one simple look at the anger painted over his face.

Adam went full throttle and they sped back to the cottage.

"Harry what's going on?" Tom asked with an annoyed look. "Why do we have to rush back?"

Harry's head snapped towards him as his blue eyes narrowed at Melissa's boyfriend, Tom. "Your bird is what happened, Tom. I don't know what she did or said to Alexa, but I swear to god I will put her in her place."

Tom released a heavy sigh knowing how his girlfriend can be. "Jesus Chirst, Mel. What did you do?" He muttered while shaking his head.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Harry quite literally leapt off of the boat and ran full tilt towards the cottage. He made it to the private back garden and there was no sign of Zoe or Alexa. He searched inside on the main floor with no luck. The prince ran upstairs and pushed open the door to their room and heard the sobs from the entrance. He paused for a moment and closed his eyes, taking a breath to calm himself down. Alexa did not need him angry at this moment, he would save that for when he confronted Mel later.

He slowly stepped around the corner to find Alexa curled up in a fetal position lying in bed with her head rested in Zoe's lap. Zoe was trying to comfort her by stroking her hair, but she stopped when she heard footsteps approaching. The prince and Zoe locked eyes with one another and shared a silent conversation. "I will be right back." Alexa was so trapped in her mind that she did not even notice Harry's presence as Zoe slipped out from under her.

Zoe motioned for Harry to follow her towards their bathroom. Harry closed the door lightly behind them and turned his attention on Zoe, but eager to get to Alexa. "What happened with Mel?" He did not waste any time getting to the point.

The blonde shook her head. "We were having an amazing afternoon at the spa, we really were and then all of a sudden Mel asks Alexa about the last holiday she had went on. Then Mel said she was surprised you hadn't taken her somewhere and brought up how you take all your girlfriends to Botswana." Zoe took in a deep breath before continuing. "How it is a right of passage into your bed....but, then she said." Zoe swallowed a lump in her throat knowing the next thing she spoke would set the prince off.

"Tell me." Harry demanded Zoe with a low chilling voice.

"Mel said that you didn't take Alexa there because it was your and Chelsy's place now. And that is where you told Chelsy that you loved her." Harry could tell by the look in Zoe's eyes that there was one more thing. "I told her off then she said 'we all know that Harry is still in love with Chelsy'."

Harry was silent with fury, he could not even speak a word.

"Alexa was in tears and asked me to take her back to the cottage. She hasn't stopped crying since we left. I think that comment destroyed her, Harry." Zoe voiced her opinion. "I don't know where her head is at. She hasn't really spoken, but she's hurting."

Those last words tore at his heartstrings making his heart fall from his chest. "Thank you Zoe for looking after her. I can take it from here. Do you mind telling everyone we want a bit of time alone?"

"I am sorry, Harry." Zoe could see the hurt in his eyes growing.

"It's nothing you did. You looked after my girl." He thanked her before she took her leave.

The prince quietly walked over towards the bed where Alexa was laying motionless. He climbed onto the bed and the shifting of his weight caused Alexa to lift her head. Harry was stopped by the wounded expression that was formed on her face. Her eyes were puffy and bloodshot from crying as tear stains marked her cheeks. But that look of pure pain and hurt was something he would never be able to forget.

"Hey love." His voice was quiet and calming as he watched Alexa push herself up into a sitting position and cross her legs.

She sniffled and wiped away a stray tear with the fabric of her sweater that was balled up in her fists. "Did Zoe tell you to come?" Her green eyes fluttered up at him with a shy avoiding glance.

The prince nodded slowly, keeping a careful eye on his girlfriend. "She told me what Mel said to you at the spa." Harry confessed and witnessed the immediate tears start to stream down her face in a flood. Alexa buried her face in the palm of her hands as her body shook and sobbed uncontrollably.

"Tell me it isn't true, Henry." Alexa's voice broke in a quiet whisper. "Tell me that you don't love Chelsy still..." Her hands fell down slowly, and all that greeted him was those deep green eyes silently pleading for the truth. "I can't bear it if it's true..."

"Alexandria." He spoke her full name as her begging eyes morphed into a look of fear, afraid of what his next words would be. Her body tensed up, as if it was defending itself from a blow. "I do not love Chelsy anymore, I promise you that." He breathed out and let the words sink in. Alexa sat there quietly, not responding but searching past his blue eyes into the depths of his soul for any hint of a lie or signs of doubt. But, she could find none. The blonde woman needed to hear the words from Harry himself to believe him.

"What Mel said to you was a lie to hurt you. I should have told you this sooner, but Chelsy and her were best friends and still are. She took Chelsy's side when we broke up and it's clear that she does not have good intentions." The prince tried his best to explain. "I would have never started a relationship like this with you if I still held feelings for my ex. Like I told you on our first date I am completely done with Chelsy." He let the words sink in, hoping that she would believe his honesty.

"I'm sorry." Alexa's body started to tremble as she broke down right there in front of Harry feeling an insurmountable amount of guilt for even doubting him and believing Mel. "I doubted you... I doubted us." She cried out between strangled breaths. "It just hurt too much to hear her truly believe it. She was so convincing... and I didn't trust you... I'm so sorry Henry."

Harry quickly moved to Alexa and pulled her shaking body into his arms, engulfing her into a tight embrace. "It's ok love." He felt Alexa clutch at the fabric of his shirt as she cried into his chest, soaking through the material with her endless tears. "Shhh....it's ok. I'm here now." He whispered softly into her ear. "I've got you."

"Come here." The prince laid back onto the bed and Alexa followed finding a space beside him. She nestled into his comforting touch feeling safe wrapped up in his arms. "Why don't we just relax here for a bit. Have some cuddles? Maybe take a little nap. I am a tad drunk." Harry admitted and felt Alexa pick her head off of his chest and look up at him.

"Ok, love. I'd like that." She crawled up to him to capture his lips in a loving kiss. "Thank you for being here. I'm sorry for crying." Alexa snuggled back into Harry and rested her head on his chest feeling her eyelids become heavy from the exhaustion of her breakdown.

"Mmm. You are welcome, love. It's alright to cry babe, but Mel is going to pay for making you." He placed a gentle kiss on her temple. "Now close your eyes and sleep." His hand started to stroke through Alexa's blonde hair in a soothing manner until she fell asleep with her head on Harry's chest.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Harry and Alexa had taken a late afternoon nap and a well needed break together. The prince looked out through the window of their room and saw the guys chopping some wood in preparation for their campfire tonight.

The sun had started to set over the lake giving a spectacular view that Harry was admiring when he felt a pair of soft hands feel their way around his torso from the back and settled on his abs. He lifted his arm and Alexa stepped in beside him to admire the view with him. "It's so beautiful here." Alexa sighed deeply. "I think I want a place on the lake or at least somewhere in the English countryside as a getaway like this. Nothing too big or extravagant, but homey and cozy."

A smile stretched across the prince's lips listening to Alexa speak of her future. "I can give you that..." He spoke and looked down at Alexa staring up at him fondly. "I can give you everything, Alexa. You mean the world to me right now and nothing is going to change that." The words fell softly off of his lips.

"You mean... you will give me your cozy hoodie for tonight?" Alexa's lips pulled into a playful smirk.

"God, I was actually being serious for a moment and you are playing with me." Harry shook his head and pulled Alexa into a bone crushing hug.

"Fine! You can give me a country house where our three kids can go running around while our two dogs chase them in the gardens and you attempt to keep up with them." Alexa giggled happily at the thought of it all.

"Three kids? Four... at least." Harry made it very clear to her that he wanted at least a rugby team. His eyes could not stray from Alexa while hearing her speak about a potential future with him.

"Ok, four kids then!" Alexa giggled as she agreed to the prince's request.

A comfortable silence fell between the couple as they stood there in a close embrace. Alexa breathed out a deep sigh, relishing in the comfort of being in the prince's arms. She felt his big hand cup her soft cheek and rub the flesh beneath his thumb. "Are you feeling better?"

Alexa slowly nodded her head while a soft smile formed on her lips. "I am... thanks for being there for me today." Her arms squeezed Harry tighter to show her appreciation. "I'm sorry I overreacted... I just -"

"No, stop. None of this is your fault. You were hurt by what Mel said." The prince clenched his jaw. "I will always be here for you, though. I would have come sooner, but I didn't have service that far out on the lake." Harry reassured Alexa of this. "Shall we go outside and help get the fire ready? I need to speak with Mel..."

His girlfriend's body tensed up knowing that this would end in a massive fight. "Please don't..." Alexa grabbed Harry's arms and pushed them off of her as she took a few steps back away from him. "Don't fight with Mel." Her pleading green eyes begged of him. "I don't want you to start anything in front of your friends or cause a rift between everyone because of me."

"Alexa, she willingly hurt you. She said those things to you to hurt you and put a wedge between you and I. I won't let her get away without confronting her." Harry was adamant in his decision. "I won't start a big fight.... I promise, but I need to speak with Mel and deal with her. She needs to know that she cannot treat my girlfriend that way without repercussions." The prince convinced Alexa to be ok with Harry speaking with Mel about what she said, but a part of Alexa knew that his protective side would come about if he was pushed further by the blonde friend and this would cause a massive argument.

"Come on, let's go." Harry grasped his hand and led a quiet Alexa out of their bedroom, through the house and out to the back garden.

"Hey! There you two are!" Adam turned around from the fire pit and walked towards the couple. Harry looked past Adam and noticed that Tom was sitting beside Mel around the fire pit as Jake and Zoe were still trying to get the fire going.

Adam approached Alexa and noticed her quiet demeanor. He had seen the rage on Harry's face on the boat when he got the text from Zoe. He smiled down at her kindly and did his best to make her feel comfortable amongst the group again after what had transpired. "Can I get you two a drink?"

Harry's gaze was lingering on Mel with a clenched jaw and hard pressed lips. He momentarily locked eyes with Adam. "Biddie, can you get Lex a drink and take her for a walk along the beach."

Alexa lifted her head up at Harry knowing full well that he wanted Alexa far away from him when he confronted Mel. She squeezed his hand and brought his blue eyes down to look at her shaking head, refusing his demand. "Lex, go with Adam." His features softened for a brief moment while he stared down at his girlfriend. "I don't want you around for this..." He confessed quietly.

"Henry...No." She stood up for herself. "I am not leaving." Her stubborn side came on display.

The prince pinched the bridge of his nose and released a deep sigh. "Love, no." Harry was adamant that Alexa should be far away as possible when he spoke to Mel. He could not have this woman say something else that would inflict more pain and hurt onto Alexa. He understood why Alexa wanted to stay with him, to show a united front but he simply could not allow her to do this.

"I know you want to show her that we are together. But, I don't want you near this fight." His piercing blue eyes glanced down at her pleading to understand him. "Please let me do this on my own and go with Adam."

Alexa's gaze strayed towards a silent Adam. He offered Alexa a kind warm smile and motioned his head for him to follow him. "Come on, let's go for a walk. I need to pick up some snacks for tonight's fire."

Harry's friend started to walk away from the couple, but Alexa lingered there for a moment longer. She turned to look back at Harry and locked in his gaze, staring deeply into those blue eyes his mother had given him. "Don't lose a friend because of me... try to work it out." Alexa took a step away from him while squeezing his hand tight. Her fingers slipped out of Harry's grasp as she walked away from Harry to catch up to Adam.

Adam put his arm around Alexa and led her away. But, she turned to look back over her shoulder at Harry who was still watching her, waiting until she was completely gone before he went to speak with Mel.

The prince slowly walked over towards Mel and Tom sitting by the fire. Jake had nudged Zoe and pulled her away having seen Harry making his way towards the couple. Mel was smiling and laughing away at something Tom had said as Harry approached them. He sat down opposite of Melissa and narrowed his eyes at her.

Tom was clearly uncomfortable with the awkward silence that had fallen between them as he sat there fidgeting in his seat knowing by a simple glance towards Harry, that his friend was indeed furious at his bird.

"Mel... we need to talk." Harry's voice was cold and spine chilling.

Mel lifted her head and nodded slowly knowing that when Zoe had taken an upset Alexa home early from the spa that Harry would be furious with her. She had been waiting all afternoon for this fight.

"Come on, Harry." Tom attempted to stand up for his girlfriend. "Let's just forget about all of this and move on. She's sorry."

This made Harry snap instantly.

"FORGET ABOUT IT?" Harry's anger was on full display now for everyone to see. "ARE YOU MAD? OR JUST DELUSIONAL TOM?" Harry's voice rose as his body stiffened while the fury inside him was building. "It's fucking hilarious that you want me to move on when Mel clearly hasn't and is trying to fuck with my relationship because she can't see me with anyone but Chelsy."

"I WASN'T TRYING TOO!" Mel broke her silence and tried to defend herself. "I WAS ONLY TRYING TO TELL ALEXA THE GOD DAMN TRUTH HARRY. YOU STILL LOVE CHESLY WE ALL KNOW YOU DO!"

"OH FUCK OFF MEL." Harry was livid. "How many times do you need to hear me say that I am completely done and over Chelsy Davy. I know it's hard for you to see that I can actually be happy with someone else other than her. That part of my life is over and I have moved on with Alexa. She is the one that has made me happy as of late and now I hear that you were trying to fuck my relationship with her over some goddamn lies!!!" The prince was clearly furious and not backing down.

"You hurt someone I care about today and yet you sit there trying to justify it." He continued to spew his anger as the image of Alexa's wounded expression came to the forefront of his mind and added more fuel to the burning rage. "I brought Alexa here this weekend to meet my mates and now I had to spend the afternoon convincing her that I am not in love with my ex. She was so hurt by what you said to her Mel. I have been up there all afternoon holding her while she was sobbing in my arms." Harry was nowhere near done. "The look on her face when she asked me..." The prince dropped his head hanging it low wanting to banish the memory out of his mind. He lifted it slowly and locked in Melissa's gaze showing her how it pained Harry to see Alexa that way.

His voice grew quiet. "She needed this weekend away to relax from all the shite she has to deal with in London right now and that is ruined for her. You ruined it for her." Harry lifted his head slowly to lock in Mel's gaze, but she stayed silently sitting there. "You hurt her because you wanted to, simple as that. You hurt my girl and if you don't make it up to her somehow we are fucking through. I cannot be friends with someone like you."

"I don't think she is right for you!!" Mel tossed her arms up in the air. "There I said it! Happy now Harry? I don't think you two are good for each other."

"You are the only one here who thinks that Mel." Zoe's voice cut through their argument. She had wandered over towards them and wanted to add her two sense in. Jake had closely followed in behind his girlfriend, trying to pull her back away. "You are so naive and blind if you cannot see how happy Harry is right now. We can all see how relaxed and settled Harry is around her, he has clearly fallen for Alexa and you need to just... shut the fuck up." Harry leaned back and eyed Jake. Zoe never swore at anyone, but he subtly liked how she was standing up for Alexa.

An awkward silence fell amongst the group.

Harry's eyes remained fixed on Mel, watching her every subtle movement. It was clear that Mel was on the war path with Alexa and she had no intention of making it any better for his girlfriend.

"Mel, it is clear that you are not willing to apologize or make things right. So, do not speak to Alexa, do not go within five feet or her and do not even bloody look at her the wrong way or I am completely done with you. Got it?" The prince threatened the slowly nodding blonde. "Funny thing is she begged me not to yell at you. Despite all the hurt that you caused her today, Alexa would have forgiven you in a heartbeat. But, I will not allow someone like you to be around someone like her. She is way better than you could ever strive to be." Harry stood up from the growing fire and walked towards the beach to find Alexa and Adam.

---------------

Alexa's laughter bellowed out as she dissolved into a fit of giggles listening to Jake tell a story around the fire. The prince was quietly sitting beside Alexa and watched her expression light up while the embers of the fire reflected in her eyes amongst the dark night. She naturally leaned into Harry and gently gave his knee a rub before her hand settled on his thigh.

He loved how Alexa was not afraid to show subtle public affection towards him. She would often give him a sweet peck on the lips or a reassuring touch that she was nearby him. The couple was always connected to each other by some sort of physical touch.

Harry sat there quietly next to her listening to her talk and contribute to the conversation around the fire. If there was one thing he had learned this weekend it was this. Alexa was fitting perfectly into his group of friends and into his life. He had longed to feel this way again with someone, after having spent so much time and effort into his previous relationship with Chelsy. He had lost hope that he would ever be able to find someone to fall in love with again, but Alexa brought him back that hope.

Alexa beamed out of her laughter and peaked up to find the prince staring down at her fondly with a set of soft blue eyes. Her lips stretched into a wider grin while she allowed herself to get lost into the depths of those crystal blues. Unknown to the couple, but everyone's eyes had fallen on to them watching their silent conversation play out. If it was not evident before that the couple were falling in love with each other, it was now on full display for Harry's friends by the mere way Harry and Alexa were looking at each other in that moment.

The prince leaned in and pressed his lips against Alexa's,capturing her lips in a sweet embrace in front of all of his friends. He cupped the side of her neck and felt her pulse racing as he continued to kiss her slow and deliberately for a few more seconds. Harry could hear her breath hitch as she became breathless from their embrace and reluctantly tore his lips off of Alexa's.

Alexa turned her head back to the group when she saw they were all looking at Harry and her in silence with beaming smiles lighting up their faces, well all except for one. " Oh...sorry." Alexa's cheeks became instantly flushed as the embarrassment of everyone seeing Harry and her mini makeout session left her growing shy. She glanced up at her boyfriend seeing him displaying a proud smirk knowing that everyone had just seen him kiss Alexa quite passionately.

A small moan from Alexa caused the prince to look down at her clearly embarrassed expression while her green eyes silently pleaded for some sort of comfort from him. He lifted his arm up and giggled at her. "It's fine, love. Don't get embarrassed." Alexa buried her head into his shoulder and moaned again.

This only made the group fall in love with her even more. She sought refuge in Harry when she became uncomfortable and she clearly wasn't about boasting her relationship with him for everyone to see. It only made it clearer that Alexa was genuine in her intentions with the prince.

"You are two cute when you get all embarrassed like that." Harry's deep voice broke the silence around the fire and made the group laugh at Alexa's expense. But, the blonde quickly fell into laughter with them.

"Why don't we make some of these smores?" Alexa changed the subject off of Harry and herself.

"So we can watch you feed Harry it?" Jake pipped up and teased Alexa even further while having the whole group in near tears.

Alexa welcomed the banter, she was not afraid of it. It meant that they were comfortable enough with her to tease her and it made her feel like she was a part of the group.

"Here, Henry let me help you." Alexa grabbed some graham wafer crackers and slid the melting marshmallow off of the stick, sandwiching it together with a chocolate to make a delicious smore. She gave it to Harry and beamed knowing that he had never had one before.

"Want me to roast a marshmallow for you, Lex?" Harry pulled out a marshmallow out of the bag and slid it onto the roasting stick.

"Can I do it?" Alexa stretched her hand out for the stick. "Then you can enjoy your smore. You have to eat it while it is hot." Harry didn't hesitate for a second and handed Alexa the marshmallow to roast.

The blonde quickly pulled out her phone and captured the moment Harry took his first bite out of the smore. The flash caught his eyes and he looked up to see a proud smile beaming from behind her phone. He rolled his eyes at Alexa and sighed. "Did you have to take a picture of me eating the messiest snack in the world?" Harry laughed as sticky gooey marshmallow and melted chocolate was all over the place.

"Yes... as a matter of fact I did." Alexa was displaying the same proud smile on her lips as she started roasting her marshmallow.

"What is with that smile?" Harry watched Alexa leaned back into the chair and lowered her head. Her smile morphed into an uncertain one while she shrugged her shoulders lightly.

"Love, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable." Harry had quickly realized the change in her demeanour.

"You didn't really..." She glanced up at Harry before continuing. "I just don't know if I should tell you this..." Alexa's uncertain green eyes gave her away. But, Harry was a bit unsure by what she was alluding to.

"Alexa, I'm not following you." He reached out and grasped her hand giving it a re-assuring touch. "Tell me." Alexa took in a deep breath and sighed. She took her stick out of the fire and made her smore with Harry's help. This gave her a few extra seconds to figure out how to tell him.

She settled back into her chair and dug out her phone from her pocket while nervously tucking her loose strands of blonde hair behind her ear. Indicating to the prince that she was indeed nervous about what she was about to tell him.

Alexa moved herself closer into Harry's space and clicked on a locked album in her phone labelled. 'H'

He leaned in towards her to get a better view and placed his hand on the small of her back, feeling her breath out deeply again. He saw about ten pictures Alexa had taken of him without his knowledge and saved into her phone.

"I have been taking pictures of your 'firsts' Alexa found the courage to tell him." She gently handed her phone over to Harry while he started to scroll through the pictures. "The firsts that you have experienced with me..." She trailed off. "Like the time we went to the drive-in theatre and your first ferris wheel ride... now your first smore."

An adoring smile stretched across the prince's lips as he was huddled next to Alexa slowly going through the pictures he had no idea were taken of him by Alexa. He had forgotten how talented a photographer she was, something that she rarely brought up around him. That was when he understood where her nerves had come from and her uncertainty in showing Harry the pictures.

He turned to stare into those uncertain green eyes of his girlfriend and wanted to take that feeling away from her. "Lex, I love that you have done this for me." He watched as the uncertainty in her eyes slowly faded. "I didn't realize how much you have helped me experience the simple firsts in life until now. Please don't stop taking these."

Once again, Harry was completely taken back from Alexa. He had thought he had gotten to know her so well at this point that nothing could surprise him. But, she continually did.

"I won't then."

Harry wrapped his arm around Alexa and nearly pulled her onto his lap while she pecked away at her smore. He glanced around the fire at all of his friends and reminisced of what an amazing weekend they had together. But, most importantly he felt his connection with Alexa had deepened as their relationship continued to progress forward into a serious one.

“Oh you are too hard on yourself dad! You are handsome for a guy your age.” Alexa chuckled lightly.

Ben turned around and took a glance around the restaurant searching for something. “So, no paparazzi here today?” He forced a playful grin, hoping to make light of his daughters current situation.

“No, daddy. Guess I lost them on the way.” Alexa followed along with his humor. When her father saw how the media had been following and harassing his daughter, Ben did not take too kindly to it. He even phoned Prince Andrew like any protective father would to try to help her in anyway he could. He was advised that it would blow over soon and they would be onto the next royal news.

“I see that you have already ordered for me. Thank you, sweetie.” His dad smiled.

“Yes, I got you a steak, medium cooked with a fully loaded potato and salad instead of fries.” Alexa informed her father who narrowed his eyes at his daughter.

“What? Mom told me you and her were on a diet and made me order a salad!” Alexa tossed the blame towards her mother.

“That sneaky little women. I thought I would be able to get this passed her today.” Ben shook his head and pointed his finger at Alexa. “You can never get anything past that women I swear.”

His features morphed into a more serious tone. “Now, how have you been doing with everything? I know a lot has changed in the last few weeks.” Ben alluded to the fact of the release that his daughter would a part of the royal bridal party and with that came the hounding of the press.

“Dad...” Alexa was hesitant to bring it all up again. When the news first broke, she had ignored her family and to this day never gave an explanation as to why. It took her a few days before she would even send them a message and explain everything. Each member of her family had been supportive of her and even her brothers attempted to both walk her to and from work until things died down, to which she graciously denied.

“Things are getting better honestly. Like Andrew told you they have now moved on to someone else.” Alexa began. “But, there was something I wanted to tell you and I do not want you to tell mom yet, ok?”

Ben nodded in understanding and silently waited for her to continue.

“Promise?”

“Lexi bear, I am not going to tell your mother... unless...?” His eyebrow raised in suspicion.

Alexa sat back in her chair and sighed. “No, I am not pregnant dad.”

Ben released the breath he was holding. “Oh thank god.”

“I have a boyfriend.” Alexa knew this would almost warrant the same reaction out of her father after what happened with Reese.

Her father sat there in utter silence no doubt his mind going through on how to get rid of the guy already. “When did this happen?” Ben curiously asked.

“We have been dating for a few months and its been official for almost two.” Alexa confessed with a soft smile spreading her lips. “The reason why I wanted to tell you is that....” She paused briefly. “I was with him that week when the news broke... those days that I was ignoring you.” Benjamin angled his head at his daughter, his blue eyes starting to form a glaring stare.

“No, no.” Alexa stopped to explain. “He was the one encouraging me to talk to my family, but I just couldn’t. I told you now...well, because I wanted you to know I wasn’t alone when it happened. I know you guys were worried about me....”

“I see.” Her father was short for words. “I take it things are going well then? He’s treating you right?” Ben’s fatherly instincts came forth.

Alexa’s blue eyes smiled, matching the beaming grin on her lips. “Yes, daddy. He treats me very well.” She giggled lightly. “He can be quite protective like you sometimes.” Alexa drew the similarity between Harry and her father.

“Why can’t I tell your mother then?” He leaned in from across the table. “Why are you hiding your relationship with this guy?”

She took in a deep breath and sighed. “It’s a bit complicated...” Alexa did her best to try and explain without letting on the whole truth. “We are taking our time getting to know each other... yes that was my idea...” She added before continuing. “We don’t want any outside pressures in our relationship at the moment and we all know if you tell mom then she will want to meet him.”

“And you aren’t ready for that yet?” Benjamin nodded his head. “Or are you afraid that if we do meet him.... then you are in a serious relationship like you thought you were in with Reese... and that terrifies you?” Her father hit the nail on the head.

Alexa was rendered speechless, being unprepared for her fathers truthful statement hitting her square in the chest. She sat there across from her father and slowly nodded, not even realizing that was the real reason for her holding back in her relationship with Harry.

“Yeah... it’s scary dad.” Alexa squirmed in her seat. “Putting yourself out there to trust someone again like that.” She confided in her father like she always had.

Ben sat back in his chair and glanced at his daughter for a few silent moments before speaking. “You know, Alexa. It’s ok to be fearful of things in life, but you cannot let that fear chose how you live your life. Sometimes all it takes is a little trust and a little faith.”

Alexa let those words sink in. “You always give the best advice dad.” She smiled warmly at her father. “You aren’t upset that I kept this from you...?”

“No! Not at all! Why would I be?” Ben shook his head at his daughter. “Look, Lex. If you think your heart is ready for a relationship again then go for it.” A grin stretched across his lips. “But, promise me this one thing. Don’t hold back because of the past, because that is the past and not the future.”

Alexa reached out and placed her hand on the back of her fathers. “Thank you daddy, I needed to hear that.”

“Of course, sweet heart. You know I am always here for you.” Their food had arrived just on time and they dived into their dishes as silence fell between them.

“I do want to meet him though.” Ben chewed on a bit of his steak. “Show him that I am definitely more protective of you, than he is.”

“Oh no....” Alexa giggled nervously. “I shouldn’t have said that.”

—————————

Alexa sifted through her purse to try and find the keys to her flat while Harry stood patiently beside her carrying the alcoholic drinks and snacks for tonight. “Ah! Found them!” She giggled lightly seeing Harry role his eyes.

“It’s about time! Thought my arm was going to bloody fall off.” He teased back at her.

She turned the doorknob to unlock the door. “I did offer to help you!” Alexa opened the door to allow his royal protection officers in to ensure the flat was safe for the prince to enter. Alice, her roommate was home and had become accustomed to these searches.

“I’m happy that you are going to meet, Jay. I think you two will really hit it off.” Alexa talked quietly with Harry at the entrance waiting for the all clear.

“I am more concerned about your other friends. Which one is the one I need to charm again?” Harry tilted his head down at his girlfriend.

“Hallie. She’s the tough one to crack.”

Today was the day that Harry was going to meet Alexa’s closest friends. It had been a week since their fight at Kensington Palace and even though Harry was required to go back to base, they spent long hours in the evening working out things in their relationship that had come to light during the fight. Harry did admit that he had never fully forgiven Eugenie for making Alexa cry that night at the pub and everything seemed to re-surface during the fight.

Harry had witnessed that his fighting with Eugenie was literally tearing Alexa apart and if he had any hope of staying with her, then he would have to grin and bear it with his cousin and find somehow to move on from all this with Eugenie. Alexa did confide in him that Eugenie was less willing to forget things with Harry and move on. She had been ignoring Eugenie all week simply because she could not deal with it all at once. All Eugenie did was complain about either the wedding or Harry and quite simply, Alexa needed to take a step back for a while. The decision she made with a heavy heart and held onto the hopeful fact that this would blow over soon and she could get her best friend back. 

The prince received a call midday during the week from Alexa and she basically told him that he was staying with Alexa at his flat this weekend so she could introduce him to her friends. He did not hesitate to agree and when he asked her what changed her mind about it all, all she said was she received some good advice to take a chance. They had spent the night in last night, helping one another create a meal to enjoy with a few bottles of wine and a suspenseful action film that Harry chose, enjoying each other’s company in the process.

“All clear, sir.” His RPO returned and stated that they would wait down in the car and lobby for the prince.

Alice was close in behind the RPOs and greeted the couple. “Hey Lexi!” She pulled her flat mate into a warm welcoming hug before welcoming Harry back in. “Harry, pleasure as always!” They exchanged kisses on the cheek before Alice insisted on taking the groceries to the kitchen.

Jay was standing there quietly in the kitchen and quickly enveloped Alexa into a hug. His tall frame, nearly the height of Harry had to bend down and embrace her. “Jay! It’s been forever since I last saw you.”

He flashed a warm smile down at his girlfriend’s flat mate. “I know, training has been keeping me busy in Germany lately.”

Harry placed the packs of beer and bottles of wine on the kitchen counter, making Alexa turn back and smile at him. “Jay, I want you to meet my boyfriend, Harry.” The prince had rounded the corner of the counter and shook Jays hand firmly.

“Your highness, pleasure to meet you.” Jay’s grip was firm, but his kind smile made Harry feel right at home.

“Just Harry is fine, Jay. Nice to meet you finally.” He leaned up against the counter. “These girls have told me a lot about you.”

Jay tossed his head back in laughter. “Nothing good I am sure.”

Alexa leaned into Harry and placed an arm around her boyfriend, snaking it around his waist. “Jay works for the Military in Intelligence, developing software of some sort.” She explained to Harry, giving him a hint that they had the military connection between them.

“Oh, that’s really interesting.” Harry looked back up to Jay. “How long have you been doing that for?”

“Eight years now. Four years overseas and now been steadily between London and Germany.” Jay had asked Harry about his military background and talked about his flight training.

“Why don’t you two boys go and watch the rugby game while we prep some food for tonight.” Alice suggested as the two guys seemed to really hit it off right from the start like Alexa knew they would.

“You sure babe?” Jay locked in Alice’s gaze and she smiled a beaming quiet smile in reply. “I hope you are not an All Blacks fan, Harry!”

Alexa had grabbed two chilled beers from the drink fridge and set them on the counter for Harry to take into the living room. The prince came back around the kitchen island and placed a hand on Alexa’s hip while grasping the beers. “Let us know if you need any help, ok?” He watched her green eyes staring up at him fondly.

“I will, go have fun with Jay.” Alexa stood up on her tippy toes and captured the princes lips in a quick tender kiss.

—————

Alexa blindly reached down and grasped Harry’s hand, holding onto it with a tight grip. The nerves within her were building with each passing minute and Alexa’s friends had just rang to be allowed in. Harry sensed his girlfriend’s anxiety and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

“Come on, let’s go meet your friends.” He spoke with an air of confidence.

Pushing himself off of the sofa, he pulled Alexa along behind him towards the door. Alice had followed in behind them, but went into the kitchen to allow the couple to greet them first.

The blonde closed her eyes and released a deep sigh before peaking up at the calm prince. “I know they will love you, I am just nervous.” She confessed to Harry.

“That’s understandable. I promise I won’t embarrass you... too much.” A cheeky grin formed on his lips as he winked.

“Henry!!” Alexa shook her head back at him. Before she could speak another word, a knock on the door interrupted her. “Well.” She breathed out. “No turning back now.”

Alexa took a step forward with Harry behind her and grasped the handle of the door, opening it to reveal a smiling Naomi carrying a bottle of wine and Hallie behind her with a stack of games and snacks.

“Alexa!” Naomi pulled her friend into a close hug and squeezed her hard. Opening her eyes, she caught a glimpse of Harry standing behind Alexa. “Hi Naomi, thanks for coming tonight.”

Naomi literally was frozen in place as she locked eyes with the prince. She had never met a member of the royal family and now one of her good friends was in a committed relationship with one. Not only one, but the world’s most eligible bachelor. Alexa had moved on to greeting Hallie as Harry stepped up and introduced himself to a shocked Naomi.

Harry recognized what was happening and this wasn’t the first time that it had happened to him. He offered a welcoming smile and held his hand out to shake Naomi’s hand. “Hi, I’m Harry.” The prince kept the introduction casual.

Naomi robotically stuck out her hand and gave Harry’s hand a weak shake. She was mesmerized by his deep blue eyes she that were no doubt given to Harry by his mother. Nodding her head, she broke the trance and smiled warmly back at him. “Hi.... Harry.” Naomi paused to gather her composure. “I’m Naomi.”

Alexa had greeted both of her friends and stepped back towards the prince, wrapping her arm around his waist casually. “Guys, I want you to meet my boyfriend.” The blonde lifted her head and locked in Harry’s gaze for a moment. “Naomi, Hallie.... this is Harry.” Her eyes drifted back towards her smiling friends as Naomi offered to shake Harry’s hand again awkwardly. Alexa couldn’t help, but giggle at her nervous friend but was thankful in how Harry down played it all and shook it again like nothing happened.

Hallie stepped in and opened her arms up to embrace the prince. “Hi, Harry. I’m Hallie! Sorry, but I am a hugger.” Alexa watched her friend offer Harry a welcoming hug. Stepping back out of the hug, Harry found his place back by Alexa’s side.

“It’s about time we met you!” Hallie broke the ice. “I almost didn’t believe Alexa when she told us that she was dating you!” Harry barked a laugh at Hallie’s comment.

“Well, you know I didn’t believe it myself that I convinced Alexa to date me!” Naomi and Hallie tossed both of their heads back in laughter.

“You and your jokes.” Alexa shook her head at the prince. “Alice and Jay are here too. Babe, can you take Hallie’s games into the living room and I can get these girls a drink?”

“Sure, love.” Harry kindly grabbed Hallie’s games and bags of snacks while the girls followed Alexa into the kitchen.

Naomi placed her bottle of wine on the counter and held her head in her hands feeling embarrassed. “Oh, Lexi I completely embarrassed myself in front of a royal!” Naomi’s black curls fell forward covering her embarrassed face she hid.

“It’s fine, Noe. Don’t worry about it.” Alexa placed her hand on Naomi’s back and gave it a re-assuring rub. “Besides, he’s not a member of the royal family tonight. He’s Harry, my boyfriend.”

“But, I SHOOK HIS HAND TWICE!” Naomi moaned again as the rest of them started to giggle at her expense. Alice had poured them all a drink and started to set out the rest of the prepped appetizers and snacks for tonight.

“Wow! Look at all of this food!” Hallie had already started to dive in. Alexa knew that Hallie would be the hard one to crack tonight and convince her that Harry was different than the man she read about in the gossip columns and papers.

Harry and Jay had returned to the kitchen, opposite of the girls. “Damn, seems like we are a bit outnumbered Harry.” Jay cracked a joke as the girls started to fall into laughter.

Alexa had remained silent and locked eyes with Jay. She silently mouthed a ‘thank you’ to her flatmates boyfriend who had welcomed Harry like he had been a long time friend. That afternoon, she kept hearing the guys chatting while watching the rugby game and it appeared they had got on well.

“Dig in everyone!” Alice opened the snacks up for grabs as everyone grabbed a plate to stock up on before they started the games.

——————

“A BIRD?!” Naomi hollered at the top of her lungs as the timer was nearing its end. She was trying so hard to figure out what Alice was gesturing for their, but it seemed so outrageous. “I DON’T KNOW! A FREAKIN PTERODACTYL!?” Alice stopped and shook her head in silence, having to remain quiet.

Jay sat back and carefully analyzed Alice’s gestures. “Babe, please don’t ever pursue an acting career, I have no idea what the hell you are doing?!” He was fed up and grabbed his beer to sip on.

The buzzer rang. “TIMES UP!” Alexa bounced in the seat next to Harry. “What was it Alice?”

“Flight of the Phoenix.” Alice tossed her arms up in the air. “You see... I rose from the ashes like a phoenix...” Her flatmate re-inacted slowly. “Then took flight.”

“Ya...Alice. I don’t think anyone would have gotten that.” Hallie sipped on her wine before releasing a light chuckle.

The group had decided to play a game of charades and split themselves into two teams. Jay, Alice and Naomi were on one team, while Harry, Alexa and Hallie made up the other team. Hallie was next up to act. She jumped out of the big lounge chair and grabbed a card that gave her a clue as to what she needed to act for Harry and Alexa.

Her eyes locked onto the couple that were sharing the love seat. She saw Alexa’s hand settle on Harry’s knee as they both were sat on the edge of the seat eagerly ready to start guessing. “Ready?” Hallie’s dark brown eyes widened as they both nodded simultaneously. “If we get this, we can win!”

“Let’s go Hallie. You can do this.” Harry was sweetly encouraging Hallie, giving her the confidence to proceed. Hallie smiled and nodded for Naomi to start the timer and begin the round. With Hallie acting out gestures silently, Harry and Alexa started yelling out their guesses.  

“Song?” Alexa questioned as Hallie held up a pretend microphone to her lips, but shook her head no, wanting them to keep guessing.

“Singer?! It’s a singer.” Hallie nodded with a beaming smile at Harry’s guess and started to point to her hair and ran over to Harry and tapped his hair.

Alexa looked completely confused at what Hallie was doing. “The singer Prince?” Hallie started to giggle as did the rest of the group, but it still was not the correct answer. Her friend continued the same gesture until she made the connection. “Oh! HE’S A GINGER SINGER!”

She yelled as Harry barked a laugh along with the rest of the group.

“ED SHEERAN!” Harry screamed the correct answer finally.

“YES! OMG! I thought you were never going to get that.” Hallie came and high fived the couple.

“Wait...” Harry spoke up, “Hallie were you comparing me to Ed Sheeran or just the ginger hair?” He jokingly teased the mixed Asian beauty.

“Clearly...” Hallie paused for a moment. “Comparing you to Ed Sheeran!” Harry made a less than impressed face as the rest of the group laughed at his expense.

Alexa tossed her head back in laughter knowing for a fact that Harry hated being compared to the singer. It felt good watching Hallie and Harry being able to have a banter with one another despite Hallie’s voiced concerns about Harry.

The game had finished and the group fell into a comfortable conversation as they got a chance to learn more about Harry first hand while the drinks flowed steadily. Naomi and Hallie had cuddled up together on the big lounge chair silently watching their friend beside Harry, seeing how close they were together and hardly went a second without having some sort of physical contact.

Naomi rested her head on Hallie’s shoulder and silently observed how relaxed both of them appeared. The couple had settled back comfortably on the sofa next to one another. Alexa was explaining a story to the group, but Naomi’s eyes stayed on Harry. His eyes had drifted to his girlfriend, silently sitting there and listening to her tell the story, but his eyes stared down at Alexa adoringly and appeared to be quite captured by the blonde beauty sitting next to him.

She saw how they blindly found each other’s hand and entwined their fingers together. Harry soothingly rubbing his thumb along the side of her hand, letting Alexa know that he was there.

Naomi was foremost a hopeless romantic, the one that believed that true love existed and that it was out there for everyone. She had seen Alexa at her worst after the breakup and heartache of Reese. But, seeing how happy her friend was sitting next to the prince of England made her heart swell with happiness. It wasn’t though Alexa had snatched a prince, it was the evident way how they outwardly showed care for one another as a couple truly falling in love. It wasn’t a facade or a relationship of means to Harry like Alexa’s relationship with Reese had been. Naomi could sense that this was different not only to Alexa, but how serious Harry was trying to get know every aspect of Alexa’s life.

Alexa had ended the story as a silence fell between the group. “Who needs more drinks?” Being the host, it was her duty to ensure everyone had a full glass.

“I will have more wine, lovely.” Hallie stuck out her hand being unable to get up as Naomi nearly had her body plunked down on her fully. Alexa grabbed the glasses as Harry stood up behind her to help.

“Here love, let me help you.” Alexa’s boyfriend grabbed some of the glasses from her and followed the blonde into the kitchen that would give the couple a quick break to check in on one another. He sat them down on the counter and turned around to see Alexa reaching up top to grab a bottle of wine. Her shirt had rode up exposing her abdomen. Harry came up behind Alexa and placed his hands on her hips as she felt them running up along side of her abdomen.

Alexa started to giggle as she had successfully grabbed the bottle of wine and came back down to his level. But, his hands still wandered beneath her shirt, feeling the sensation of his fingers trail to the middle of her abdomen. Harry rested his chin on her shoulder and released a sigh.

“You ok, love?” Alexa placed the bottle of wine on the counter and reached back to play with his ginger hair.

“Mmmhm. I’m great. You ok?” He felt Alexa start to turn around to face him, loosening the grip on her waist. She turned around and placed her hands on his chest before lifting her head to smile back up at him adoringly.

“I really love that you are meeting my friends tonight. You don’t know how much this means to me and how amazing you are with them, being so welcoming and playful.” Alexa stood up on her tippy toes and nudged Harry’s nose with hers. “I want them to know the man I am falling in love with...” She rested her head against Harry’s forehead as a comfortable silence fell between them, letting those expressed words settle.

They stood there in a silent embrace, not needing words to further convey their feelings for one an other. Alexa and Harry had already expressed to one another that they were falling in love when she had made her trip out to Suffolk, which of course had changed the trajectory of their relationship in many ways. But, with the recent fights with Eugenie and Alexa questioning her future relationship with not only the princess, but with Harry, it still felt amazing to hear Alexa say it again.

“You know that if it’s important to you, it’s important to me now.” His finger lifted Alexa’s chin delicately before he leant down and captured her lips softly. Their lips locked in an embrace as the world around them disappeared for a moment. All their cares and fears drifted when they were with one another. There connection was so deep, neither one of them could find the words to explain what drew them toward one another.

Alexa felt Harry start to break away, her hand flew to the back of his neck and indicating for Harry to not stop. He took in a quick breath and continued their kiss, deepening it further as he cupped Alexa’s cheek to hold in tenderly.

They had become oblivious to their surroundings as footsteps approached the kitchen, but their minds were still trapped in a cloud of lust that they didn’t hear a thing. All that the couple was focused on was one another.

“Do I need to send out a search part- ” Hallie rounded the corner and had caught Harry and Alexa locking lips. Alexa tore her lips off Harry and looked towards Hallie for a brief second before becoming embarrassed. Alexa’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she buried her head into Harry’s chest. The prince turned sideways to see Hallie standing there with her mouth open, starting to laugh at Alexa’s response.

Hallie smiled cheekily and locked in the prince’s gaze and he simply shrugged his shoulder. “Sorry Hallie. We can fix the drinks in a moment.” Harry broke the awkward silence between them.

“Ya, I am sure you will Harry.” Hallie popped her hip out and came further into the kitchen, surprising the prince. “Having a snog in the kitchen...” She couldn’t help but tease the couple.

Alexa lifted her head to glance up into Harry’s eyes. “Sorry.” She whispered up at him, knowing that this may put the brownie points he had won with Hallie to no good use.

The black haired beauty poured a few drinks and watched the couple come out of their embrace through the corner of her eye. “What’s your poison Harry?” Hallie glanced up at the prince waiting for his drink order.

“Bourbon, neat. On the rocks.” He ordered and saw Hallie grabbing a bottle of Bourbon that Harry had brought.

“Lexi, why don’t you take these drinks back to the girls.” Hallie pushed them towards Alexa. “While I have a little chat with Harry.” It wasn’t exactly a question more of a demand coming from Hallie.

Alexa sharply breathed out. All day she had a feeling that Hallie would interrogate Harry at some point this evening. She thought that after everything so far, that Hallie had seemed to get past the issues she harboured with the prince and moved on after getting a sense of who he was.

“Ya, that’s alright Hallie. Would love to have a chat.” Harry had down played it, having heard Alexa warn Harry that Hallie might want to talk to him tonight. “Is that alright, babe?”

Alexa’s eyes drifted towards Hallie and gave her a warning glare. She did appreciate how protective Hallie was over her, a trait that she had become accustomed to. “Be nice to him.” The blonde smiled kindly at her friend.

“You know I don’t bite...” Hallie paused for a moment. “... that hard at least.” She teased Alexa. “He’s a big boy, he can handle a little chat with me.”

Harry’s hand rubbed down the small of her back re-assuringly. “I will be fine, love.” He leant down and kissed her temple softly to convince his girlfriend that he would be ok with a little interrogation from a concerned friend.

Alexa took a few steps out of the kitchen before glancing back over her shoulder at Harry, seeing him staring at her as she walked away.

“Shall we take our drinks outside to the terrace for a chat?” Hallie suggested as the prince happily agreed.

“Lead the way.” He grabbed his drink and took a healthy sip of bourbon.

Harry followed Hallie out of the kitchen and passed by the living room through to the terrace. He sat down diagonally from Hallie and placed his drink on the smaller circle ceramic table. The sun was almost set but gave off enough light. The prince waited for Alexa’s friend to start the conversation and ask whatever she wanted about him. He was willing to be an open book for Hallie if it meant he could put her mind at ease about him dating Alexa.

“So...” Hallie began. “I have known Alexa for a long time now. I have seen her at her best of times.... and at her worst.” The black beauty eluded to the time after Reese and Alexa broke up.

“You mean what happened with Reese Kellington?” Harry already knew that was what she was trying to convey, but he wanted Hallie to know that Alexa had already confided in him about that whole situation.

“So, Alexa has told you what a complete jerk face that money hungry asshole did to her?” Hallie had quite a few choice words for that man.

“Yes.” Harry nodded and grabbed a quick sip of his drink. “We talked about that pretty early on and it was the reason why we were taking things slow for not only me, but Alexa. She had her own reservations about me because of who I was and the apparent social circles I run in, nearly the same ones as Reese.” He gave Hallie all the information she wanted from him.

“Then you can understand me not being easy won over again by someone like him.” Hallie narrowed her eyes at the prince, not being afraid to speak her mind like Alexa had warned him.

“I’d like to not be compared to Reese in anyway.” Harry firmly spoke. “I can understand your reasons to be cautious of me in order to protect Alexa from what she went through again... but Hallie.” His voice spoke her name. “I am not him.”

“Then who are you Harry?” Hallie was relentless. “Are you who the papers say you are? Are you still the same seem to be player like you were in your early twenties?”

The answer was relatively simple.

“I’m Alexa’s boyfriend who is falling in love with her more every single day.” Harry let down the walls and admitted it to Alexa’s friend, being as candid as possible. His answer took Hallie back a bit, being caught off guard.

“Look, Hallie.” The prince continued as he noticed Hallie remaining speechless. “I know you want to protect Alexa and quite frankly so do I. I never go into a relationship without thinking it through or feeling guilty that eventually if our relationship gets revealed, the amount of pressure and scrutiny Alexa would be under. I do not take those things lightly.” Hallie nodded silently, making Harry know that she was following it all.

“Alexa had been wanting me to meet her friends for quite some time now. She hasn’t said this right out to me, but I feel like she does need more support and people to vent or talk to about our relationship. She really only had Alice and Eugenie that knew about us seeing one another and I am happy that she can now confide in you and Naomi.” Harry leaned forward as a serious expression graced his face. “All that I am asking is that you get to know me like this, rather then put me in the same labels the press has done. Because I am more than a prince, more than a soldier and more than what they have made me out to be.”

Hallie sat silently for a few moments and let the words settle.

“Don’t stop questioning me or my intentions. Alexa needs a friend like you on her side.” Harry added one last comment.

Her headed lifted to lock in Harry’s gaze. “I won’t. But please don’t hurt Alexa.” Hallie’s features softened. “She will be the best thing that has ever happened to you, but people take advantage of her kind sweet soul.”

“She already is.” Harry’s lips spread into a beaming smile. “Any other questions or concerns?”

Hallie shook her head no. “Not at the moment, you seemed to have answered quite a few and for what it’s worth Harry. I can tell how happy you make Alexa.”

“Thanks, Hallie.” Harry stood up and enveloped Alexa’s protective friend into a hug. She caught a glimpse of Alexa staring at them in the living room through the French window paned door. A smile crept up on her lips seeing the two of them ending their chat in a hug.

“Let’s get you back to Alexa before she blows an aneurism at me interrogating you.” Hallie joked with the prince causing him to bark out a chuckle. He liked Hallie’s sense of humour at least.

The prince followed Hallie into the living room and sat down beside an anxious Alexa. He immediately grasped her hand and gave it a light squeeze before turning his attention away from the conversation to his girlfriend. She was peaking up at him with her beautiful green eyes that softened when she witnessed a beaming grin spread across Harry’s lips. Clearly, his conversation with Hallie had gone well and there was no further need for Alexa to worry. She leaned in and pressed her lips against his cheek for a quick peck silently whispering, “thank you.”

Naomi had been sitting next to the prince wanting to engage in a conversation with him to be friendly, but she did not know how to start. Harry had glanced towards her way and offered a warm kind smile having picked up on Naomi’s hesitancy. “So, Naomi how long have you known Alexa for?” He opened the conversation.

Naomi’s face lit up at the mere thought of it all before she even started to tell Harry the story of how they met. “Alexa and I went to the same primary school. I had just moved back from Geneva with my family and was the new kid in the school. When the teacher asked if anyone would like to show me around, Alexa’s hand flew up in the air.” Naomi started to giggle at the memory. She looked up to Harry and could feel his genuine interest in her story, giving Naomi his complete attention.

“So, friends at first sight then?” Harry added.

“I guess so.” Naomi nodded with a beaming smile.

“Are you Swiss then?” The prince was genuinely curious because of Naomi’s apparently mixed ethnicity, he was unsure of her background.

“No no.” Naomi shook her head. “My mother is half Philippino and half Scottish, while my father is English. Hence my mixed ethnicity. Most people are very curious of my background.”

“That is a wonderful mix though, I honestly would not have guessed it.” He smiled kindly towards her, making Naomi feel as comfortable as possible.

“We did grow up in Geneva for my first few years as my father was working for the United Nations there in the Human Rights sector. He still does to this day, but does most of his work out of London now.” Naomi leaned forward and grabbed her glass of wine.

“That’s quite remarkable. What do you do if you don’t mind me asking.” Harry had completely relaxed Naomi and she was able to put her anxiety aside and delve into a great conversation with Alexa’s boyfriend, even being able to ask some questions of Harry too in order to get to know him better.

———————

“It was great meeting you again, Harry.” This time Naomi was comfortable enough to give Harry a hug goodbye. His arms wrapped around her frame and gave it a gentle squeeze.

“You as well, Naomi. Hope we can do this again sometime.” He smiled out of the hug before turning to Hallie to say goodbye.

Naomi moved to Alexa next and pulled her into a long embrace, whispering in her hear. “He’s a keeper, Alexa. I approve.” She had to let her friend know her thoughts about her new boyfriend. Even from the few hours that she had spent with the couple, she already believed that they were going to be something more. Maybe it was her hopeless romantic self coming through, but she wholeheartedly believed that Harry could be the one for Alexa.

Alexa closed her eyes and squeezed her friend tight. “Thank you, Noe. You have no idea how much that means to me.” She broke out of the hug and smiled down fondly at her friend. “Get home safe, send me a text when you do ok?” Naomi offered a quick nod before gathering up the rest of her things.

Hallie was next to say goodbye to Alexa as she stumbled into her embrace. Alexa tried to steady her, but the prince had to intervene. “You ok there Hal?” Alexa stood her up on her feet.

“Ya... I am fabulous!” Hallie slurred out her words. “NAOMI WAIT!” She hollered at her friend taking a step forward and nearly stumbling towards the door.

Alexa grabbed her friend again before glancing back over her shoulder at Harry. “I am going to help Naomi get her into the car.” She informed him. Harry offered to help as well, but she thought it was best if he stayed inside just in case some pap straggler was still outside.

Pushing through the door into her flat, Alexa could hear someone in the kitchen cleaning up. She rounded the corner to find Harry gathering the trash and tidying up. “You don’t have to clean up, Henry.”

“I don’t mind love.” He felt Alexa’s arms wrap around his waist and place a peck on his cheek.

“Where did Alice and Jay go?” She glanced around for any sign of them.

Harry stacked a few plates into the sink to wash up. Alexa grabbed a wash cloth and a drying towel. “Jay has an early flight back to Germany tomorrow. They offered to help clean up, but I told them to spend some time together if they wanted.” He admitted with a soft smile.

The prince handed Alexa a wine glass to dry. “Awe, Henry.... you are so sweet.” She continued to help Harry dry the dishes as he washed them. “I think my friends really like you Harry. Thank you for just being yourself and making them feel so at ease so they could get to see the man I know.” Alexa was really amazed at how well everything had seemed to go tonight and how easily Harry fit into her friend circle.

“Well, you have surrounded yourself with some great people Lex.” Harry glanced down at his girlfriend. “Thank you for letting me get to know them. I know this was a big step for you.” He leant down and placed a gentle kiss to her temple before handing Alexa another dish.

Feeling Harry’s lips pressed against her skin reminded Alexa of the moment earlier in the night when Hallie walked in on them locking lips. “I cannot believe Hallie walked in on you kissing me!” She groaned with a slight embarrassment.

“Well, maybe we should finish what we started?” The prince winked at his girlfriend.

Alexa bit down on her bottom lip as a playful side started to come out. She reached her hand down into the warm soapy water and flicked her wrist, splashing the prince in the face with some water while some landed on his shirt, soaking him. “Ooops.”

The prince’s mouth flew open in shock. “Ooh, baby don’t start this game if you can’t finish it.” Without warning, Harry splashed Alexa but aimed for her shirt right where her breasts were.

“Ahhhh!” Alexa drew in a quick breath. “HENRY!” She glanced down at her soaking wet chest then slowly back up to Harry as he was prepared to do it all over again. A cheeky grin was plastered on his lips.

“Don’t you dare!” Alexa warned him, but silently was wanting to continue their fun. Too quick for the prince she grasped the sink sprayer and turned on the water, aiming it at the prince. He noticed her fast movement and splashed her for all she was worth before she fired the water at him.

Alexa had quite literally doused him in water as she stood there and dissolved into a fit of laughter seeing his less than thrilled expression. He came over to her and wrap his arms around Alexa, soaking her in the process. Harry bent down and grasped the back of her thighs, lifting her up onto the counter.

“You are in so much trouble...” His voice became deep as he locked in Alexa’s green eyes as they held his hostage.

Alexa’s fingers ran down Harry’s chest feeling the wet material of his shirt grip his muscles and accentuate them. She reached the hem of the shirt and started to lift it off of him. “Let’s get this wet shirt off of you...” Harry helped Alexa rid him of his shirt and tossed it aside.

His hands went straight to unbuttoning her blouse while Alexa admired his  naked body, feeling the lust coursing through her veins. Harry leant down and placed a soft kiss over the mounds of her exposed breasts, eliciting a desire filled moan from his girlfriend.

His lips trailed up to her neck, attacking the sweet skin by her collarbone. Harry felt Alexa’s legs wrap around him to lock the prince into place while her fingers combed through his ginger hair, pushing his head down further onto her neck while he continued his sweet assault.

“Take me to my room.” Alexa’s tone was filled with lust. “I want you Henry.”

Without any warning Harry cupped Alexa’s cheeks tenderly with both hands and eagerly found her lips, locking them into a passionate kiss. There was no fight from his girlfriend as she quickly succumbed to his touch and nearly melted into his sturdy frame that she grasped to remain afloat amongst the haze clouding her mind with desire.

They broke apart for a moment, feeling the others hot breath float across their lips. This time it was Alexa’s turn. Her hand snaked behind the back of his neck and pulled him back down on top of her, bringing their lips mere inches apart.

But, she paused for a second and took this chance to open up her eyes and take in the prince whom she thought had his eyes closed. She was taken back when a set of deep blue lust filled eyes were already staring down at her with such an intense gaze, it made a shiver travel down her spine.

Releasing a soft moan she bit down on her bottom lip attempting to fight the urge within her to take Harry back inside so he could have his way with her for the third time today. It was if Harry sensed what her mind was brewing and with a shake of his head he spoke.

“We don’t have time if you want to get home before dark, Lex.” His husky deep voice did not help to calm the building desire that was growing within her veins. Alexa stood up on her tippy toes and captured the British prince’s lips in a long embrace, not wanting to have this moment, rather the time she had spent with Harry end.

Alexa took a step back from her boyfriend, blindly finding his hand she released a heavy sigh. “I best get going...” She looked to Peanut jumping up and down against the window of her car.

Feeling a firm squeeze of her hand, Alexa peaked up at the prince with a half smile. His angled head in combination with his soft blue eyed gaze did not aid in her leaving, knowing how much she would miss him in the coming week.

“It’s been the best week of my life, Alexa.” Harry closed in the distance and wrapped his arms around her, letting them loosely settle on her hips. He did not even want to blink to miss a moment of their time together, but sadly it had to end. “You coming here... being here at the end of my work day... falling asleep next to you... waking up next to you.” He leant down and gently kissed her forehead like he had done every night and every morning. “It’s been amazing.”

Alexa’s lips spread into a wide beaming grin at his thoughtful words. “Thank you for keeping me a float this week with the news...” She referred to the statement release that she was Eugenie’s maid of honour. “I am a bit nervous facing this on my own now... without you.” The blonde timidly admitted her uncertainty. 

“Awe, love... you won’t be alone. You got me... and Eugenie, Alice and your family.” He reassured her with a gentle squeeze of her hips. “I will be back in London in a few days.”

“But... things will all be different now. We have to be more careful.” Alexa repeated the words that had left Harry’s lips a few evenings ago when they sat and had a long discussion about how to go about their relationship. They had both agreed that things needed to be kept quiet until Eugenie’s wedding ceremony. The couple had still yet to decide whether they would show up as an official couple to the reception or stay clear of one another’s paths that day. Every conversation about it, brought them to a different outcome that made them unsure of what to do. They were taking things into careful consideration and did not want to make light of this decision, but they had to decide soon for Eugenie.

All Harry did was nod in agreement. “I know. We will find our own pace with things.”

Alexa turned around and reached for the handle of the door to pull it open. “I better get going.”

Harry held the door open for her and watched as she got settled into the drivers seat, clicking in her seat belt. He closed the door and waited for Alexa to roll down the window for one last goodbye.

Casually leaning on the window frame, he smiled down at his adorable girlfriend and giggled lightly at her positioning her snacks in the right order and turning on her road trip playlist. Peanut took the hint and jumped into her little bed in the back seat and circled a few times just to make sure she had the right position.

“All settled you two?” He cheekily asked.

“Yes, as a matter of fact... smart ass.” She rolled his eyes at him.

“I think I remembered you saying I had a sexy ass... if I recall... that time in the shower?” Harry tried his best to rouse the blonder, loving seeing her all riled up.

“Which time... as I remember there were multiple times.” Alexa winked up at the prince and shot back.

“Ooooh touché babe.” He started to laugh at her witty response.

“Drive safe, alright?” Harry waited for Alexa to nod that she heard him. “Call me when you get home.”

“I will, Henry.” Alexa sighed and peaked up at him one last time. “I am going to miss you... come here.”

Harry leaned in through the window and kissed her hard with his soft lips. He was about to break away, when he felt Alexa grab his shirt and held him in place to prolong their goodbye kiss. He cupped her cheek and gently caressed her warm flesh with his thumb until she was ready to end their kiss.

Alexa groaned at having felt his lips fall off of her own. But, this time she had top say her goodbyes. “I will see you soon?” Her green eyes shone with hope towards him.

“Soon, love.” He promised Alexa, a promise he intended to keep. “Call me on the way if you get tired.”

“I will babe. Bye...” She rolled the window up and put the car in reverse to slowly back out of the drive. Harry walked forward until the end of the drive and offered her one last wave to which she happily waved to him before speeding off down the street.

—————

Alexa entered the tube station and swiped her travel card, walking through the barricades towards her tube line into work. Grabbing one of her headsets, she placed them into her ears and selected her ‘Feel Good’ music playlist for her thirty minute commute to work.

Standing on the platform, she waited with all the other commuters on their way into work. Her lips spread into a soft smile, relishing in the normalacy her routine gave her. Harry had prepared her that the press could be quite intrusive into her life until the interest in her died down. But, she had yet to experience his warning.

The trains wheels screeched against the track alerting everyone to its arrival. Alexa boarded the train and found an open seat to settle herself in for the ride. Minding her own business, Alexa listened to her music and browsed through her work email trying to get caught up on any weekend information that she had missed.

She paused her reading for a brief moment having the sudden feeling that someone was watching her. Lifting her head slowly she looked around to find a man lift his phone and snap a picture of her. Alexa made eye contact with him and narrowed her eyes in displeasure at his action. She had no idea who this person was... was he just a commuter who had read about her being the maid of honour or was he a paparazzi that had been following her... where had he followed her from?

Alexa took in a deep breath in an attempt to calm the ever growing nerves that budded with her suspicions of the man. “Stop being so paranoid.” She inwardly convinced herself. For the rest of her train commute to work, she put those thoughts out of her mind and shaked her paranoid feeling away. Embarking off the train, she climbed the long inclined steps towards the exit. What was waiting for Alexa around the corner, was a scene she was truly unprepared to see.

She rounded the corner of the corridor and came into direct contact with a sea full of paparazzi waiting for someone by the exit out the station. Alexa could not move her feet, they were frozen to the ground keeping her where she stood. She glanced back behind her to try and identify the man that took her picture who was on the train with her. Did he tip them off that Alexa was on her way to work? Surely, all these people couldn't be waiting here for her.... could they? Within a few moments Alexa got her answer.

It was as if all the paparazzi turned in that exact moment and looked at her, staring into her fearful green eyes at the mass of them. "There she is!" A short middle aged man pointed at her as the others readied their cameras as the assault of flashes met her with a vengeance, welcoming her to their world.

Alexa inhaled a shaky breath. This was what Harry was warning her about. This is what he was trying so hard to protect Alexa from. In the end, they both knew that she would enviably have to face this due to her being in the upcoming royal wedding. These people right here, standing before her stalking her like their prey had been the real reason why Harry insisted that the news broke when Alexa was far away from London where they surely were looking for her. He wanted Alexa to come to terms with it in a safe place surrounded by someone who the pressures of the media well... and for that she was thankful for as she did not truly understand it at the time.

She took the first step and was determined to not let the awaiting sea of cameras phase her, rather let them see it bother her in anyway. Scanning through the barricades she mapped out her escape, Alexa had no choice but to quite literally walk right through them. As she became closer and closer, she deeply wished that a certain ginger haired prince was standing there with her, guiding her through this. Alexa quickly shook that thought from her forefront. "No Lex, you are a strong independent women and do not need someone to hold your hand through this. You got this!" A small brave voice inside of her head spoke up amongst the cloud of fear. That small little voice gave her just enough courage to push her forward into the masses.

"That tip was spot on!"

*click click*

"Can't believe she has been hiding out from us for this long!"

*click click*

"Hey blondie! Look up her sweetcheeks!"

*click click*

Alexa tightened the grasps on her bag and crossed her arms clearly becoming uncomfortable with all the unwanted attention that she was receiving. Their shouts and hollers drove her feet forward with haste. She quite literally had to push her way through the group of men, thankfully following in behind a sturdy, tall middle aged man who cleared a small path ahead of them to make it out of the exit. The shouting continued, but Alexa did her best to tune it all out. All she was focusing on was putting one foot in front of the other and making it to her work time.

Making it through the exit to the station Alexa took in a deep breath in relief that it was over. But that relief was to premature, as the mass of paps grabbed their cameras and began to follow Alexa down the street. Glancing back over her shoulder, she felt the relief being replaced with a slow creeping fear. ‘Why wouldn’t they leave me alone, they got their shots already’ her mind whispered through the building chaos that was about to erupt.

“Alexa wait!” They hollered at her as they chased her down, catching up with the blonde beauty.

“Come on honey, give us a smile.” A northern English accent spoke.

No matter what they yelled at Alexa, she just kept going. Maneuvering around them when they tried to cut her off or steer her in another direction. She had no idea why they were this interested in her, she was no one special, just a friend of Eugenie’s who was going to be in the public eye for one day.

“How do you think you will compare to Pippa Middleton?!” Your arse looks just as hot as hers!” One arrogant pap shouted and made the rest of them bark in laughter.

Alexa had enough of this. That comment took it passed the line. All she wanted to do in that moment was defend herself to that twat of a man, but that was exactly why he said it... to illicit a reaction that he could capture and the papers could write about. She had bore witness to this type of attack one evening while attending a dinner party with Eugenie and her sister Beatrice. ‘Don’t play their games, Lex. Keep moving’

She lifted her head and scanned the street ahead, locating the local artisan coffee shop that Alexa would typically venture out in the afternoon for a cuppa. With determination to lose the masses she walked with purpose straight for the shop, remembering in the back of her mind that they had a back entrance where their deliveries were made daily. She had her chance to create a little distance between the paps and hopefully lose them there.

Grabbing the handle of the shop door she stepped inside and immediately felt safe as the shouts of the paps outside faded into the background. Closing her eyes briefly, she relished in the peace for a slight moment. Opening them she was greeted by the ever friendly Leo smiling at her with a toothy grin. Leo was the manager of The Hummingbird Bakery, a shop Alexa frequented each week.

“Alexa!” He tossed his arms in the air in a friendly gesture to give her a hug before the door opened behind her with a rush of cool air and the kind man’s smile disappeared.

“No press in here!” He shook his finger at him with a scolding tone. “Out! Out!” He walked passed Alexa and shoved the pap out the door.

Without skipping a beat, he turned back around and put his arm around Alexa and smiled up at her. “The usual?” He acted like nothing happened and pulled her along side to the counter. “Let’s get you that drink.”

While she waited for her drink to be made, Alexa could feel everyone’s eyes in the bakery on her. Lifting her head up, she caught a glimpse of the paps peering into the window waiting for her to glance at them. They immediately started snapping away at their camera’s, capturing her dismay.

“One chai tea latte with a dash of cinnamon.” Leo handed Alexa her custom drink and felt the warmth reach her fingertips.

“Thank you, Leo.” She dug through her purse to get her bank card.

“No, no. Alexa.” Leo held hid hands up in refusal. “This one is on the house. You have enough to deal with today.” He turned his head to look out towards the window.

“No, I can pay for this Leo.” Alexa insisted. Leo continued to refuse her payment until she finally agreed.

He leaned in from across the counter to whisper. “Take the back entrance out. If you are quick, you may be able to lose them.” Winking at her in a friendly gesture, she returned his kindness with a smile.

“Thank you Leo.” Without another word she went out through the back door in a light jog. Finding herself in an alley way, she looked both ways and headed towards the right in the direction of her work.

————————

Walking through the doors of Guardian, Alexa had never felt so relieved before in her life. She breathed out and looked around at what she referred to as her second home. The comforts that lined the corridor down towards her office made her feel right where she belonged. Glancing up to see some artwork of the children she had helped here reminded her that the circumstance she found herself was not as bad as theirs. It gave her a new perspective and put her worries aside for the time being.

Grace came around the corner of the corridor and quietly leaned up against the wall, watching Alexa admire the art work. “Welcome back!” She broke the silence. Alexa snapped her head towards Grace and offered her a warm smile.

“Grace!” Alexa beamed at her boss seeing her outstretched arms opened for a warm hug that Alexa immediately gravitated towards. The young blonde was pulled into an embrace by her mentor and was squeezed tight.

“Ohh we have missed you, Alexa.” Grace softly whispered into her ear. “The place is not the same without that beaming gentle smile of yours.”

A light laugh escaped her lips as she stepped out of the hug. “I am sure you were all fine without me for a few days.”

Grace motioned for Alexa to fall into step beside her as they walked towards the offices. “Did you have a good time away? You went up to Suffolk for a little getaway?” Her boss displayed a knowing expression as to the reason why she had left... at least the supposed reason.

Bowing her head her gaze fell to the ground. “Yes, it was a great time to get away for a little break. Eugenie thought it was best to let the news blow over a little before I returned.” Alexa paused and drew in a deep sigh before continuing. “Though it did not seem that it has blown over yet.” A nervous giggle flowed from her lips that matched her body language.

“I know.” Grace nodded her head in understanding. “I have received a few phone calls in the last week asking questions about what you do here at Guardian.”

Alexa’s head snapped up, locking in Grace’s eyes. Parting her mouth open to speak and apologize, Grace beat her to it.

“Do not apologize for this. It is only the media wanting to know anything they can get on you.” Relief washed through Alexa’s expression feeling better that her boss understood and it was not going to be an issue thus far. “All I said was I would not comment until I had approval from my employee first.” Grace smiled down at Lexi before getting straight into business.

“I have asked today that you get meeting briefs only today, you do not have to attend them. I need you to get the housing situation sorted for a few of the families that have come in so we can move them into a safe place and help others who we have been turning away. There is a few family court sessions scheduled for tomorrow that I want you on their case instead of Shannon. She hasn’t done a single thing since you have been away, I have been on her case but I need this taken care of and I only trust you to do this.” Grace continued to ramble off essential tasks to Alexa, informing her of what required her immediate attention.

Alexa was elbows deep in a pile of paperwork when Eddie came running into her office. “Miss Grey! Miss Grey! You are back.” He yelled and came running around the desk as fast as he could to offer her a hug. She wrapped her arm around him and gave his head a gentle rub. “I am back, did you miss me Eddie?”

He nodded with exaggeration. “I thought you were never coming back you were gone for sooooo looooooong!”

All she could do was laugh at the little boy. “I was only gone for a few days, little man. You surely could not have missed me that much.”

“Well, I missed your candies more!” Eddie reached over her desk with a small grunt and grabbed her jar of candy, helping himself to a few then stuffing more into any pocket he could find.

Eddie and his mothers case was one of the cases scheduled for family court the next day to determine who got custody of Eddie. His biological father had come into the picture despite his shady unreliable past and pursued custody of his son. It would be a fair fight due to Eddie’s current living situation. His mother and him were staying at the shelter because of Leanne’s ex-boyfriend physically abusing both her and Eddie. Domestic battery charges were laid, but he had made bail until the court date in the fall. Alexa had been working with this family for a number of years, seeing them as repeats through the door and accessing the services that Guardian had to offer. But, as soon as Alexa had everything set up for Leanne, she would bail and run back to her ex-boyfriend where the cycle would continue. Which is where custody of Eddie was a tricky matter in deciding what was best for him.

If Alexa could get proper subsided housing at least in the works for this family, she had a shot at proving to the courts that Leanne could provide a safe stable home. She had made an agreement with Leanne this time that if she was to fight for her to keep Eddie, serious changes were needing to be made. Leanne had taken enormous strides in creating a better life for herself and Eddie.

“Look, Eddie I have a lot of work to do today.” She could see the disappointment in his face. “I am sorry buddy but this is my job.”

He pouted out his bottom lip and nodded with understanding. “Will you at least come for dance time today?” Eddie shyly asked Alexa with his head hung low.

“Of course I will!” Alexa grasped his arm and gave it a gentle squeeze. “You know I never miss that.”

———————

“Hey love....” Harry’s voice resonated on the other line.

“Henry.” Alexa giggled softly while pacing around her room in the flat.

“I am not going to beat around the bush. How are you holding up?” Harry was determined to know after Alexa had seemed to dodge his calls in the last few days. He had seen the pap pictures from the station and the cafe that made his blood boil in return. The stories about Alexa had kept emerging with people from her past speaking up about their so-called relationships. The press tried hard to turn it into drama, but there simply wasn’t anything to find about her... yet. So they kept digging and harassing Alexa.

She had been very quiet, almost too quiet for Harry’s own liking with how she was dealing with it all making him believe if she was truly dealing with it or brushing it under the rug. He had an inkling that Alexa was avoiding the topic of conversation and also him in the process to make him not worry about his girlfriend.

“I am fine.” Alexa brushed it off, not entirely wanting to discuss it. “When do you think you can come back to London and meet the girls? They keep hounding me to meet you.”

“Lex...” Harry’s voice grew low laced with a serious tone.

The blonde knew that her boyfriend was frustrated with her. She stopped pacing and sat down on the edge of the bed. “I had a great day today and I just don’t want to talk about it ok, Harry?”

“You can’t brush this all under the rug... you have been avoiding this.” He stated the obvious.

“No...” Alexa breathed out. “Not entirely.” Her voice became soft. “Eugenie’s been helping me...”

“Really?” Harry was a bit taken back as silence fell between them. “You have been ignoring my calls and here you have been talking with Eugenie instead of your boyfriend?”

“Henry, she is my best friend too if you have forgotten and the reason why I am in this pickle.” Alexa scolded him lightly. “I don’t need to talk to you about everything, I can confide in my friends about things to.”

“Oh come on Lexi. Like your friends have any idea what it is like.” Harry scoffed and shook his head. “I have been here all along and you chose to go to Eugenie instead of me? She hardly deals with the press like I have had to.”

“Yeah... I did Henry. Why is that such an issue?!” She rose her voice at him. “She thinks that if we go out together for a night out and get photographed that things will die down afterwards. Give them what they want, then they will leave me alone.”

“Alexa, no. That is a bad idea.” Harry stood up and started to pacing, running his fingers through his hair. What was his cousin thinking... was she even thinking?

“Harry...” She sighed with frustration. “I think it is the right choice. It may help me get them off of my back? I can’t handle them following me every day for a photo. Why not just give them one?”

“Look babe... I know its frustrating and even scary at times to deal with. But, you giving them what they want is a dangerous game. They will not stop there, they will want more and more from you. They will smell that this is a setup from a mile away.” Harry did his best to give Alexa reasons not to go through with it.

“Harry, it’s already planned. It’s happening tomorrow night.” Alexa informed him.

“Alexa?” His voice became soft and almost sounded defeated. “Did you not hear what I just said?!”

“What?” She was stern with him. Not being pleased with Harry telling her what to do.

Alexa could hear him take a deep breath in. “Please don’t go through with this... I am only trying to protect you. I have played their game longer than you have, experienced it more than Eugenie. I know their tactics and you are playing right into their hand.”

Silence.

That was all there was on the line as Alexa sat there in the quiet dimly lit room.

“You aren’t here... you don’t get a say.” Alexa spoke firmly. “Goodnight Harry.”

Without giving Harry any time to respond, she had hung up the phone.

——————

Alexa walked down the corridors of Kensington Palace beside her best friend, Eugenie. They were on their way to La Bamba for a dinner date to nail out wedding details for the upcoming royal nuptials. But, it was also an attempt to get photographed together in hopes that the media would lay off her a bit. It was Eugenie’s thought out plan and quite to Harry’s dismay, Alexa was following through with it.

In the back seat of the Range Rover, Alexa looked out the window watching the streets pass by as her mind drifted towards him. 

Harry.

Hearing his heeding warning replay in her mind brought a certain level of uneasiness that maybe he was right. Glancing down at her corral colour elegant dress she grasped her necklace and toyed with it.

Eugenie smirked and released a light giggle feeling a profound sense of satisfaction having read Harry’s text message to her that read...

‘EUGENIE ARE YOU ACTUALLY GOING THROUGH WITH THIS? HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND? YOU ARE PUTTING ALEXA RIGHT IN THEIR CROSS HAIRS. SHE CANNOT HANDLE THIS PRESSURE.’

‘You are only upset that she chose to side with me on this. Alexa is closer with me than she is with you and she will always consider my opinion in matters like this. Get off your high horse Harry’

‘I swear to god Eugenie this isn’t a game... this is Alexa’s life.’

‘You will thank me later when the news comes out that you and her are dating. She will be able to handle it way easier thanks to me.’

‘You are not taking this seriously. You are enjoying the fact that she sided with you because she has no idea what she is getting herself into.’

‘Too late... we are on our way’

‘Ya and so am I.... I am coming to London’

‘WHY? WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO HENRY?!’

‘HARRY?!!!’

Eugenie felt the car come to a stop, looking up to see the restaurant in view. Harry and her had been at it all day long with each other and clearly did not see eye to eye. Now he was on his way into London and surely would put an end to this plan of hers if he could.

“Ready to go?” Eugenie excitedly smiled at her best friend.

Alexa nodded and took in a deep breath. “Yeah...let’s do this.” She spoke the words out loud in hopes that she could convince her own self to follow through with this. A feeling of regret flooded through Alexa the moment she entered through the doors of the restaurant.

The hostess greeted them with a warm welcome and took them to their reserved table. A booth in the front corner of the restaurant where they could look outside, rather people could look inside at them. The perfect spot to get photos captured of them without a doubt. Eugenie had planned this perfectly.

The blonde cautiously settled into her seat, following Eugenie’s lead. She leaned in and questioned whether they should continue with the plan. “Are you sure this is how we should do this? It feels quite set up and unnatural.... like it was planned.” Alexa voiced her fears of the whole situation as she was now feeling guilty about the whole idea.

“Yes, I know it will work. It may be a little uncomfortable at first, but at the end you will be glad we did it!” Eugenie flashed a reassuring smile at her friend, but it still did not settle the uneasiness flipping her stomach upside down.

Alexa took in a deep breath and grabbed the menu, searching through the items on the menu. They placed their orders and received their happy hour cocktails and began catching up on wedding details.

“So I was thinking that the night before the wedding you can stay with me and my mom at the Goring Hotel. Then in the morning I have George Northwood coming to get out hair styled and Hannah Murray to get us all dolled up?!” Eugenie told Alexa the details with a beaming smile as her excitement floated across the table to Alexa.

“Wow, I love Hannah Murray’s style. I can’t believe she is going to be doing our makeup!” Alexa started to laugh at the reality of it all. “How much is it going to cost me though?” She asked the real question floating in her mind. Alexa was already contributing to not even nearly half the cost of her brides maid gown and for all these famous stylists to get her camera ready for the big day was surely going to break her bank.

“Don’t be silly! It’s all on me, hun.” Eugenie could feel Alexa’s uneasiness and saw her lips part to protest the matter from across the table. “No! Don’t even try to make it otherwise. It’s already done and paid for.”

Alexa shook her head and angled it at Eugenie. “You know that I like to pay my way.”

“It’s not going to happen.” Eugenie leaned in from across the table and giggled.

In that exact moment, Alexa was blinded by a flash of a camera. Her head turned to shy away from it feeling extremely uncomfortable of the invasion of privacy. It was now the moment that they had been waiting for. The paparazzi had found them.

Throughout the rest of the dinner, Alexa did her best to ignore them and act naturally as if they weren’t there. However, she could not stop a sickening feeling beginning to grow from within her core. This wasn’t right. This was wrong... she should have listened to Harry.

“I think we should go.” Alexa bravely interrupted Eugenie as she seemed to carry most of the conversation that night. Biting down on her lower lip nervously she waited for her friends answer with pleading green eyes.

“It’s fine.... don’t think about them.” Eugenie nodded and took a sip of her cosmopolitan. Brushing off Alexa’s fears. “Just act like we are having a good time.”

“It’s a little bit difficult when they are literally right on the other side of the window snapping pictures at us and waiting like vultures until we leave. More will come if we don’t go now...” Alexa’s voice grew soft.  

She now understood why Harry was so careful in the beginning stages of their relationship. Why he insisted on getting to know Alexa behind closed doors. He often spoke of his reasons to Alexa and she agreed with them, but she did not fully understand them until this exact moment. It was why they stayed in and cooked dinner together at her flat, why they simply cuddled on his sofa and watched marathons of Netflix shows and documentaries and why they would sit in a secluded part of a restaurant far away from peering eyes and windows to the outside world.

She had to admit it. Alexa was wrong and should have trusted her boyfriend.

“Ok... let’s get the bill then.” Eugenie finally caved seeing how uncomfortable Alexa had become.

Within a matter of minutes the two women were leaving their seats about to plunge themselves into the sea of the awaiting cameras that were stalking them from the outside. “The car should be pulling up in any minute. Just walk straight for it and get in on the close side, I will walk around the back and get in.” Eugenie instructed Alexa on what to do like always.

-------

The drive back to Kensington Palace was filled with an awkward silence. Eugenie was starting to get the feeling that Alexa was not feeling entirely happy with what had transpired this evening. As they left the restaurant, it was like a swarm of press scrambling for any shot of the two of them together. Eugenie flashed her smile and even waved at them while Alexa nearly sprinted to the car and kept her head down to avoid being photographed. She was a bit unhappy with her friend as right before they exited the restaurant she insisted that Alexa smile and put on a face that they had a great time and instead, she did the complete opposite.

“I think we were wrong...” Alexa drew in a deep breath and turned her head to confront Eugenie.

“Why? I thought we already discussed this Alexa. It will be better for you in the long run. They will get off your back, but now they saw you hiding from them and to be honest I am not sure it will work now.” Eugenie glanced back down at her phone like it wasn’t a big deal for her.”

“Wow... thanks Genie.” She scoffed in disbelief. “Didn’t know I was supposed to smile at people harassing me.”

They drove through the gates of Kensington Palace and toward the private car park. Alexa had dug out her phone and started to type a message of apology to Harry and hoping that he was free that evening to talk. She had ignored him the last few days and had to admit that she was in the wrong.

“What is Harry doing here?” Eugenie leaned forward and saw a tall figure waiting by the entrance as the car lights lit him up against the night sky.

Alexa’s head snapped up and saw her boyfriend standing on the pavement with a displeased expression gracing his face. His hands were in his coat pocket as he stood there without any movement while glaring into the back of the car. “He said he wasn’t coming back to London until next weekend...”

The car rolled to a stop. “Did you tell him to come?” Eugenie blamed her friend, but did not reveal her conversation earlier with her cousin as she had the feeling that Harry was going to surprise them.

“No... we had a little fight yesterday... I don’t know why he’s here.” She fumbled her words as Eugenie nearly jumped out of the back seat.

Alexa felt frozen in place. She couldn’t move her body even if she willed it to. How could she face Harry right now?

Eugenie attempted to greet her cousin as Alexa watched from inside the car, analyzing Harry’s every move. He gave a stiff nod that showed off his clenched jaw and pursed lips. He was angry, Alexa could feel that from a mile away. His eyes drifted towards her car door as he waited patiently in silence for Alexa to come out of the vehicle. She took in a shaky breath and reached for the door handle, pushing it open.

Placing her heel on the gravel lot, she scooted out of her seat and fixed her dress while standing up. Her gaze dropped to the ground, but she could feel Harry’s eyes on her, watching her every move. Shutting the car door gently she closed her eyes briefly and lifted her head.

When she opened her eyes they were met with soft blue eyes staring at her intently, not even blinking. They stood there a few meters apart in deafening silence, neither one knowing what to do in that moment. There was one thing that Alexa knew for sure, Harry was angry with her. His utter silence even scared her more than ever before.

His eyes took her all in, glancing her up and down the length of her body as he silently admired her. “We need to talk.” Harry broke the silence first, but his tone was low and demanding. His head turned towards his cousin. “Both of you.”

“Fine. We can go to my apartment and talk if that is what you want Harry.” Eugenie stomped off leaving them in her wake. Alexa had yet to take a step towards Harry being unsure of how to greet him.

Harry locked in Alexa’s gaze as their eyes lingered on one another’s. He could see the evident regret circling in his girlfriends eyes. She took a step forward, but paused briefly wanting some sort of sign from him on what she should do. He took his hands out of his pocket and offered her a soft weak smile.

“Come here.” The moment he spoke those words, Alexa nearly ran to him, crashing into his body as she wrapped her arms around him tightly and squeezed his frame hard. His hand settled on the crown of her head, tenderly holding her silently in place.

“I am so sorry...” Alexa lifted her head from off of his chest to glance up at her boyfriend who was gazing into her green eyes. She could still see the anger within them, but they were starting to soften. “I should have trusted you.” Alexa admitted sincerely, her voice laced with regret.

Harry did not speak another word and simply nodded. She stood up on her tippy toes to place a kiss on his lips, but his head turned away as her mark landed on his cheek, rejecting her kiss. He dropped his arms from her body and took a step towards the door. “Let’s go.”

The walk down the hall towards Eugenie’s apartment was the longest walk of her life. All you could hear was her heels clicking against the marble flooring, there were no words spoken. She was one step behind Harry, falling behind him as his long legs strode ahead of her. Alexa looked up from the ground to glimpse up to him and he was looking straight ahead with a furrowed brow and clenched jaw. Her gaze lingered and caused his head to turn and catch her staring.

He witnessed the tears budding in her eye that were formed from regret. Her green eyes guiltily held his gaze, attempting a silent apology. He had to look away from her, he couldn’t simply be distracted from what he had to say to her. Arriving at his cousins apartment he felt a soft hand grasp his fingers and tug them with a sense of uncertainty.

Alexa’s steps had faltered behind his, making the prince glance back over his shoulder at her, but his gaze fell to the ground. He waited patiently for Alexa to speak, her hesitancy not going unnoticed.

“Please don’t go in there angry....” Her begging soft voice broke. “Not at Eugenie.... be angry with me.” Alexa quietly pleaded with her boyfriend.

Harry couldn’t do what Alexa requested him to do. His anger was mainly directed at Eugenie for even thinking that their plan was a good idea. He dropped her hand and turned on his heel without another word and entered Eugenie’s apartment.

Alexa closed her eyes and took in a deep breath knowing that this was not going to go well. She had never seen Harry this angry before and to be honest, it brought a little fear to her.

The prince sauntered into the living room with Alexa trailing behind. His stiff body was tense as he remained silent while gathering his thoughts. Running his fingers through his ginger hair he bit down on his lower lip hard.

Eugenie stood across from Harry with her arms crossed in defensive mode. “Go on, Harry. What do we have to talk about now?” The princess snarly replied while confronting her cousin.

His lips parted and broke the silence he held. “Eugenie you know why I am here. Both of you do.” Harry’s blue eyes flashed to find Alexa standing there silently. “I am at a lost for words to be fair. I kept playing it over in my mind on the drive here, how you two thought that this was a brilliant idea? Playing right into the hands of the press and putting your life more on the line... Alexa’s life.” Harry confessed with concern laced in his voice.

“I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU EUGENIE? WHAT THE HELL WAS GOING THROUGH YOUR MIND?” His voice rose to a yell. “I TOLD YOU NOT TO FOLLOW THROUGH WITH IT TONIGHT AND YET HERE WE ARE, MAKING ME COME DOWN FROM BASE TO SORT THIS FUCKING MESS OUT!”

“I told you not to come, Harry!” Eugenie pipped in and blew her innocent cover of not knowing that Harry was coming to London.

“Wait...” Alexa had now broken her silence. “You knew Harry was coming tonight and you didn’t tell me?” She took a step forward towards her friend. Based on Alexa’s complete shock at seeing him, he had figured that his girlfriend had no idea that he was on his way to London. That Eugenie kept that little piece of information to herself.

“It didn’t matter.” Eugenie shrugged her shoulders. “We were having a girls night out for dinner and talking about wedding details. It just so happened that paps were there.... that is all they will think Harry.” The princess was playing down the seriousness of it all, which even fuelled Harry’s rage further.

“LISTEN TO YOURSELF, YOU DO NOT EVEN UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU DID?! THIS IS HER LIFE EUGENIE, YOU DON’T FUCKING PLAY GAMES WITH MY GIRLFRIENDS LIFE.” Harry was in a fit of rage at Eugenie before he turned it on to Alexa. “Alexa...” his voice was cold while growing ino a quiet anger that sent shivers down her spine. “Please explain to me how you would completely disregard me.... someone who knows more about how those assholes play their game than anyone else. I told you not to fucking do this and you just go off with Eugenie?! And throw yourself to the people I have been working so fucking hard to protect you from?”

He sat down on the chair behind him and took in a few deep breaths with his eyes closed, waiting for a response. Anger was seething from his being as he attempted to grasp at any control he had left over it.

Alexa couldn’t even formulate a response. Everything Harry had said to her was completely true. She stood there frozen, taking Harry’s anger that was lashed towards her.

“She can make her own choices Harry.” Eugenie spoke up and popped her hip out, placing a hand on it. “She doesn’t need your permission.” The princess was only egging her older cousin on in hopes that Alexa would see a side of Harry that she did not like.

His blue eyes darted open and glared at his cousin. Leaning forward slowly, his gaze became menacing. “Seriously Eugenie, have you hit your damn head? YOU MADE THIS DECISION FOR ALEXA, NOT ME... NOT HER.” Harry pointed an accusatory finger at his cousin. “Alexa can make her own decisions, what I am saying is she doesn’t live this life me and you have.”

“NO! It’s your ego...your ego is only bruised that Alexa listened to me and not you... her boyfriend.” Eugenie stepped towards her cousin, matching his rage. “You are pissed that Alexa chose me this time...” The princess let the words settle within the prince.

“You really think that this is about that?” Harry scoffed a laugh. “Alexa choosing sides is all you care about. Is this the real reason why you so stupidly made her do what you wanted? You have been hanging it over her head.” Harry sighed, ending with a light laugh. “Do you not remember that time in the pub you asked Alexa to break up with me and to choose you... well news flash little cousin, I am still here!”

Alexa stood there speechless, both shocked and at a loss of words. This never ended between the two of them. Alexa was now realizing this and it was putting both of her relationships with them in the crossfire.

“Yes, this is exactly about that. You won’t even let Alexa make any of her own choices. You insisted that she be in Suffolk with you when the news broke and I told you it was best for her to stay here with me! Yet you would not have that and made her come to you!” Eugenie pointed her finger at her elder cousin.

Alexa slowly sat down on the sofa and put her head in her hands feeling a wave of nausea hit her. Closing her eyes she could only hearing the yelling match that continued between her boyfriend and best friend.

“Oh come on Eugenie. FOR FUCKS SAKE DON’T BE A LIAR!” He shook his head at the princess. “You know that was Alexa’s choice to come to Suffolk, we only arranged it after the fact when we both knew she would be with me. Don’t be daft.”

“You always want to be the hero, Harry!” Eugenie plopped herself down on the sofa and sighed. “It’s getting to that thick head of yours.”

“Getting to my head? Clearly, nothing is reaching your head dear cousin.” Harry sat down across from her. “You do realize that you are putting Alexa’s life on the line here. You two played directly into their hands and they won’t relent now. Yet, you don’t understand the magnitude of this.You haven’t dealt what I have dealt with.”

“And what you do?” Eugenie chuckled. “Oh right, mommy dearest.” The princess mocked Harry, but the moment the words left her lips, she deeply regretted it.

Harry snapped to his feet and took a step towards Eugenie. “WHAT THE FUCK EUGENIE? YOU DARE BRING MY MOTHER INTO THIS?!”

“STOP IT!” Alexa yelled and stepped in between them, placing a hand on Harry’s chest. It stopped Harry from moving forward, but not from speaking his mind. “OF COURSE THIS IS ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO KILLED MY MOTHER. I HAVE SPENT MY WHOLE LIFE MAKING SURE PEOPLE I CARE ABOUT DO NOT FALL INTO THEIR GAMES AND GET HURT LIKE SHE DID, EXCEPT SHE PAID WITH HER LIFE!”

“Henry...” A soft call of his name rendered him speechless. “Stop it...please.” She whispered quietly only for Harry to hear before glancing back over her shoulder at Eugenie.

“That was low and completely uncalled for Eugenie...” Alexa scolded her best friend. “I cannot believe you said that to Harry.”

“Are you defending him now?” She rose up from the sofa still fuming from anger.

“STOP! I SAID STOP FIGHTING!!” Alexa took a step back from both of them and sat down, holding her head in her lap. Her body started to shake as they saw Alexa break down and succumb to tears.

“Will you just stop going at each other’s throats for one damn minute!” She broke down and sobbed in front of them. Being unable to control her emotions any further she released everything that had been building up over the past few days.

Alexa lifted her head and met Harry’s concerned blue eyes. “You are so selfish... coming here only to argue with me and Eugenie.” He was about to speak when Alexa held her finger up to silence him. “No! I am not done!” The teary blonde held her ground.

“I understand you want to protect me and why, but I have to make my own choices. I thought it was the right move at the time and I admit now that I regret it, that I was wrong. But, what was your purpose in coming down here? If not to be angry at me....and Eugenie, would it solve anything?” She directly looked Harry into the depths of his blue eyes.

“Alexa...” Harry spoke her name softly.

“You can’t even answer that because you are so blinded by your rage of anger, Henry.” Alexa scolded him.

The blonde sat forward and sighed. “I am so tired and so done with you two making me choose between you all the damn time. It is so childish!” Alexa shook her head in disbelief and wiped a stray tear away. “I need both my boyfriend AND my best friend by my side or else I cannot do this anymore. I cannot have you at each other’s throats.”

Harry and Eugenie shared a glance.

“I will not choose between you two ever.” Alexa was firm in her words. “If you two think you can make me do that and keep playing this game than... I am done.” The blonde’s words left them in silence, unsure of what to say.

Alexa stood up from the sofa and took in a deep breath. “In fact, I don’t know if I can keep doing this anymore...” Without another word, Alexa stood up and stepped towards the front door to leave.

Harry started to chase after her, catching up to her quickly and grasping her wrist. She turned around to face him and that is when he saw the tears silently streaming down her cheeks, staining them. His brow furrowed at the sight of his distraught girlfriend.

“Please don’t leave like this.” Harry’s deep voice was soft, a change from the cold hard tone she had received moments before.

She gave her hand a light tug that broke through the constrains of Harry’s grip. “I need some space...some time alone.” Alexa’s voice cracked as she spoke those words to her boyfriend. She quite honestly did not know what to do anymore.

Turning on her heel, she left Harry and Eugenie behind.

————

Harry was tossing and turning in his bed, being unable to sleep from the images of Alexa that kept haunting his mind. Seeing her in that moment before she walked out the door nearly broke him. He rolled over on his side and silently cursed himself for fighting with Alexa. He did internally admit that he could have handled that situation so much better, but his innate will to protect those he cared about from the media won that battle.

The prince grabbed his phone off the bedside table and texted Eugenie. She was the last person Harry wanted to converse with, but his mind would not settle until he knew Alexa was somewhere safe for the night.

‘Has Alexa come back to your place?’

He texted and waited patiently while staring at the three little dots at the bottom of the message indicating that his cousin was tying a reply.

‘No. I thought she was with you...?’

Harry tossed back his covers and threw on a pair of jeans and a hoodie. It was nearly midnight and there was no sign of Alexa anywhere. He paused for a brief moment remembering the last words she spoke to him. ‘I need some space... I need some time alone.’

Without further thought Harry nearly ran out the door in search of his girlfriend. Closing the door to his cottage shut, the prince immediately felt the cold air chill him to his bone. Drawing more concern that his girlfriend was out on the grounds of Kensington aimlessly walking around freezing in the cold.

He searched around the private residences first without any luck and venturing towards the gardens. That was when he saw a figure sitting down on a bench in his mother’s garden, the Sunken Garden. Halting his steps, he watched from afar for a few minutes watching her dimly lit frame from a nearby spotlight on the ground. She didn’t move, just sat there being trapped in her thoughts having found a quiet space for her mind to think.

A small smile tugged at a corner of his lips knowing that Alexa had found some peace in his mothers garden, a place he too had come late at night on occasion to clear his mind. He took a step forward releasing a deep sigh, unsure of what he was walking into.

The crunching of the gravel pathway gave away his presence as his girlfriend glanced towards the source of the noise and watched the prince come closer towards her. Lifting her head further, Alexa locked eyes with the prince and offered a weak soft smile.

Alexa took in the view of him in front of her and couldn’t help but feel her stomach flipping with butterflies they way they always did when she laid eyes on Harry. She had wandered out here around the grounds and found herself at the Sunken Garden, being lost to time and to her thoughts.

“Can I sit?” The prince was apprehensive and wanted Alexa to lead the conversation.

With a slight nod she answered. “Yes, Henry... but, what are you doing here?” Harry lips spread into a grin. He truly loved how Alexa used his birth name, Henry, instead of the common name everyone else used.

“I came to find you, make sure you were ok.” He confessed and then held his arms up in the air seeing a raised eyebrow from his girl. “I know, I know. I was supposed to give you some space.”

Sitting down next to her, they fell back into a comfortable silence. His head turned to take her in, having already missed her in the few hours she had disappeared for. That was when Harry noticed Alexa only wearing her coral dress from dinner. “Jesus Lex, you must be freezing!” He placed a hand on her frozen arm and immediately shrugged off his hoodie. “Here, put this on.” Harry insisted on it.

“What about you?” Alexa’s soft blue eyes locked in his gaze as she hesitantly took the warm clothing from him.

“I will live. Please put it on....” His tone morphed into a pleading one while he displayed concerned for her well being.

Alexa nodded and put on the oversized hoodie, immediately feeling its warmth while she snuggled into it. The scent of Harry drifted into her nose and brought a sense of comfort within her. Harry watched a beaming smile form on his girlfriend’s lips at the gesture. 

“Look, Lex.” Harry started the conversation. “I’m sorry for being a down right git.” His gaze faltered for a brief moment, but as his eyes lifted he found Alexa staring down into the depths of his eyes. She didn’t reply right away, she just sat there and searched his eyes for any sign of doubt.

Taking in a calming breath, Alexa closed her eyes and bit down on her lower lip the same way she always had done when she was nervous or anxious. “Thank you for the apology.” She managed to get out, but the rest of what she wanted to say was trapped in her throat. Harry could see the struggle morphing on her face, watching as that beaming smile faded into a sombre one.

“I don’t even know where to begin honestly....” Alexa shook her head and leaned forward. “My mind is all over the place and I am confused... I’m hurt... and... so angry at the both of you. Partly anger with myself.” Her head turned to look directly into his eyes. The prince stayed silent for a few moments.

“Talk to me....” Harry encouraged the hesitant blonde.

Alexa sat back and tossed her arms up in the air. “I don’t know if I can Henry!” Her voice rose to a yell as she released an exasperated breath. “If I do, and Eugenie finds out I spoke to you first than are we going to start this endless circle of fights again?!”

“I can’t keep doing this....” Alexa was on the verge of tears again. The thought of how to balance both of them overwhelmed her to the core. “If I do what Eugenie wants me to do, then you are angry with me... if I do what you want to do, then she is angry with me. I can’t win this stupid game you two have going on. I lose every time, every choice I make.”

Harry was nodding slowly, understanding what position he was putting Alexa in. It was difficult because of the nature of their relationship. Harry was family with Eugenie, Alexa’s best friend that she had known since childhood.

Alexa wiped away a stray tear with Harry’s hoodie and sniffled. She had no idea what more to say to Harry. The prince decided to break the silence this time. “I know you wanted some space and time from it all. I can give you that if you want...” Harry paused for a second. “You don’t need to decide this second, I can tell you have a lot on your mind. Why not come inside and get a good nights rest first. You can stay in my spare room or go to Eugenie’s like you had planned. Either decision is completely fine with me. I won’t be angry either way you chose. I only want you safe and out of this cold.”

The sincereness in Harry’s voice brought a sense of calm to Alexa’s mind. She already knew that his actions earlier stemmed from how much he truly cared about Alexa. It was evident even now, amongst this uncertain time he showed that to her.

Her hand stretched out and ran her fingers through his ginger lock. His lips spread into an adoring smile, but his tired eyes gave a hint towards his exhaustion he was fighting. “You look so tired, babe.” Alexa watched him nod agreeing with her. “Take me back to the Nott Cott.”

Harry rolled his eyes at the nickname that Alexa had made a few weeks back of his Nottingham Cottage. He stood up and offered his hand to his girlfriend to which she freely grabbed.

Walking along side the prince, Alexa’s gaze fell down towards their entwined fingers. Whenever she was with Harry, she always felt safe and secure. Tonight at dinner, she lacked that feeling and even missed it with Harry. Silently finding herself wishing that he had traded places with Eugenie. That thought terrified her to no end. How will she choose? Or can she deal with both worlds until the next fight? Will it ever change? The flood of questions floating in her mind caused her to feel the same exhaustion as Harry and was thankful that he convinced her to go to sleep.

Harry dropped her hand briefly to unlock the door and opened it, allowing Alexa to walk in first. That same feeling of being safe mixed with the familiarity of being home coursed through her as she stepped into the entrance of his cottage. They walked down the main corridor towards the bedrooms, stopping at the spare room. Harry reluctantly opened the door and ran his fingers through his hair.

“You can stay in here tonight. Want me to grab your pillow from my room?” The prince did not want to push Alexa into staying with him tonight.

“Yeah, if you don’t mind.” She hesitated for a second. “Also, a shirt of yours?”

Harry pursed his lips together wondering how on earth he was expected to get so sleep knowing that Alexa would be next door sleeping in only his t-shirt. He shook the thought from his mind and walked into his room to grab the items.

Returning with them, he walked in to find Alexa sitting on the edge of his spare bed. “Oh, thanks.” Alexa offered a soft smile in return.

“It’s no trouble.” He stood there as an awkward silence fell between them. “Well, have a good sleep. Help yourself to anything in the fridge in the morning... you know where everything is.”

“Will I see you in the morning?” Alexa locked in Harry’s gaze as her green eyes gave a glint of hope.

“Probably not... I have to drive back to Suffolk quite early for my flight training. This was sort of an unplanned trip.” The prince informed Alexa and saw the hope disappear from her eyes. “I will be free after work tomorrow if you want to talk to me that is.” Harry hinted.

“Ok... ya I will.” Alexa stood up and gave Harry an awkward friendly hug. “Drive safe tomorrow.”

“Goodnight, Lex.” He could barely look at her as he quickly turned and walked out of the room.

——————

Alexa kept tossing and turning, unable to find herself a comfortable position to sleep in. No matter how hard she tried, she could not get the thought of Harry leaving in the morning without any clarity after their fight. Alexa had already known what her heart wanted her to do.

Without another wasted moment, she tossed the covers back and tip toed across the floor finding herself outside the shut door of Harry’s bedroom. She knocked lightly, hoping not to wake the prince. Angling her head around the corner of the door, she found him sitting up in bed awake.

“Alexa? Why aren’t you asleep?” His tired husky voice asked her.

The door creaked as she opened it further and walked in seeing the prince’s bare muscular chest knowing for a fact that he was only wearing boxers.

“Well, I was hoping that you would have room for me?” Alexa’s lips spread into a playful grin.

Harry pretended to look around his bed and think. “Hmm... I suppose you could fit.... but only if you cuddle with me.” The prince was beaming as Alexa nearly ran to the other side of the bed and crawled in beside him. “Where is your pillow?” He chuckled.

Alexa cuddled into Harry’s side and tapped on his chest lightly. “Right here.” Her head rested on his chest as she released a sigh knowing this was where she was meant to be. Alexa felt Harry’s soft lips kiss her forehead gently as he too relished the feeling of having her sleeping next to him.

“Now let’s both get some sleep.” Harry’s fingers trailed down her back and settled there, ensuring she was as close to him as possible.

She lifted her head for a brief moment, taking in Harry’s blue eyed gaze. His hand instinctively cupped her cheek and massaged it tenderly. “Wake me up before you leave in the morning? I want to say goodbye.”

“I will.” He smiled down at Alexa fondly. “Now close those eyes and get some sleep.”

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14